Why Your HVAC Filter Keeps Clogging

July 18th, 2019 Posted in HVAC Accessories
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Does it seem like every time you check your HVAC filter, it needs to be replaced? While many filters need to be swapped out every 1-2 months, if you find your HVAC filter is clogged after just a few weeks, you may have a problem. A dirty filter impacts your energy efficiency, but you should not need to replace your filters more than once per month. Here are some reasons your filters may be clogging prematurely and how to fix the problem.

Pets, Dust and People

How much debris is floating in your air can impact your air filters. Pet hair and dander contribute to filter clogging, as does the amount of people and dust in your home. Vacuum and dust your home regularly to cut down on filter changes.

Is Your Fan On?

The fan on your HVAC system has an “on” and “auto” setting. If you leave it “on” the fan will be going 24/7, pulling air through the filter. Set it to “auto” to turn the fan on only when heating or cooling, which will extend the life of your filters.

HEPA Filters and High MERV Ratings

Filters that are designed to clean minute particles out of the air may purify the air, but they also clog quicker. HEPA filters and those with high MERV ratings can collect more dirt, but they can also put stress on your HVAC system. Changing filters to a lower MERV rating can make your filters last longer and minimize workload on your HVAC system.

If you follow these tips and still have problems with your filters clogging, call your local HVAC service company. You may have leaks in your ductwork or other issues that are causing dirty filters.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
1925 Lena Carter Road
Buford, GA 30519
(770) 475-9528

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How Often Should You Change HVAC Filters?

July 30th, 2018 Posted in HVAC Accessories
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One of the most important DIY maintenance you can do for your HVAC system is ensure the air filter is kept clean. A dirty or clogged air filter can put extra stress on your HVAC system, causing it to work harder and be more likely to have system issues. Plus, air filters help improve the quality of the air in your home for the health of your family. So, how often should you change your HVAC air filters?

First, there is not a set rule on changing your HVAC air filter as each home and filter is different. An air filter manufacturer may say to change the filter every two months, which is a good rule of thumb, but not always accurate for all filters. Most 1-3-inch filters are suggested to change in two month intervals, but you should check the manufacturer recommendations for your filter.

Secondly, consider the environment. If you use your HVAC every day and have kids, pets and a full house, your air filter is working overtime. It may need to be changed more often than recommended. On the other hand, if you only have 1 person living in a big home and only use the HVAC system when you are home, the filter may not need to be changed for 3-4 months. The best advice? Check it regularly – if it looks dirty before it is scheduled to be replaced, switch it for a new one.

Changing the air filter is just part of maintaining your HVAC system. You should also schedule regular tune-ups and service 1-2 a year. Your HVAC service tech will also check your filter and change it out if needed.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
264 Buchanan Highway
Dallas, GA 30157
(770) 505-7426

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HVAC Systems and Allergies

August 19th, 2016 Posted in HVAC Accessories
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When the spring and summer months arrive, so do many of the most common allergens that plague many people. From the pollen and grasses to the molds and dust, allergies can become a nightmare. One place that should be a haven for those with allergies is their home. With a good HVAC system in place, closing the doors and windows should create a mostly allergen-free environment. However, to create this escape from allergens, there are a few HVAC maintenance tips you should consider.

  • Air filter. For those who suffer from allergies, a high quality air filter for your HVAC system is a must. You want a HEPA filter that will clear dust, pollen, dander and mold spores from the air. These filters can need to be replaced as much as once a month during peak allergy season.
  • Duct cleaning. Ducts can be a source of nasty allergens, spreading more dust and mold throughout your home. A thorough duct cleaning in the spring is a good way to ensure you are not spreading more allergens around your home.
  • Dehumidifier. If you live in a region that has high humidity during the summer, the combination of heat and humidity creates a hot bed for mold in your home. Adding a dehumidifier to your HVAC system can help keep these harmful mold spores from sprouting inside your home.

Spring is a good time to schedule your HVAC maintenance to create an allergen-free zone for allergy sufferers during the summer months. Call your local HVAC service specialists to schedule an annual tune-up and discuss filter, duct cleaning and dehumidification options to improve the air quality inside your home, while keeping it cool and comfortable during the hot summer months.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Buford, GA
(770) 475-9528

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Is the Air in Your Home Making You Sick?

January 3rd, 2015 Posted in HVAC Accessories
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There’s almost always more in the air that you breathe than just the oxygen we need to live. Moisture, dust, mold and many other micro-organisms are also entering your lungs every time you take a breath. In a confined area, like your home, the air can become unhealthy when too many of these contaminants are present in your air, making you and your family sick. 

Controlling the Quality of the Air in Your Home

There are several ways the air in your home can become unhealthy. Dust and allergens can be recycled through your home, collecting more each time the air is circulated throughout the house. Humans and animals create dust, plus excess moisture can cause mold spores to grow and enter the air. All these contaminants can stress allergies and cause health issues. To control these factors, you need a system in place to regulate the air quality within your home. 

Most HVAC systems will have some type of filtration for the air that it controls. However, the filters range greatly in what contaminants they are able to remove. Talk to your HVAC service professional about the level of filtration your HVAC filter is providing, and what additional options are available. 

Humidity is another factor that can compromise the air in your home. Too much moisture can lead to mold growth, which can cause both health issues and damage to your home. Consider investing in a whole home dehumidifier, which can control the level of moisture to reduce the likelihood of mold growth. 

You want the air in your home to be clean and healthy for your family. Schedule an appointment to have your air quality tested by your HVAC professional. Your HVAC service company can offer solutions to ensure the air in your home is efficiently filtered, and at the right moisture level to keep your family healthy.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Alpharetta, GA
(770) 475-9555

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How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

September 28th, 2014 Posted in HVAC Accessories
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Indoor air quality is extremely important to the health of the occupants of any commercial or residential building, especially those with respiratory issues, such as asthma and allergies.  Pollen, mold, dust, fumes from building materials and animal dander are all some of the items, which can negatively impact indoor air quality.  There are a number of means to improve indoor air quality including filters, humidifiers and properly introducing outside air into the ventilation system. 

Filters work by trapping the unhealthy materials in a filter media as the air passes thru the filter.  Available filters include a variety of HEPA filters, as well as electronic air cleaners.  In order to function properly, the filters must be replaced or cleaned on a regular basis.  Properly used humidifiers will improve air quality by introducing moisture into the air, which makes the air less dry and easier to breathe.  The downside to humidifiers is that the possibility of introducing mold into the air if the wrong type of humidifier is used or the humidifier is not kept clean.  The introduction of outside air into the building is an excellent means to improve indoor air quality, as the HVAC is conditioning fresh air and is basically continuously changing out the air in the commercial or residential structure. 

While each system is effective, the best way to determine how to improve indoor air quality is to have the indoor air quality tested.  Once the items negatively impacting the quality of the air are identified, the best solution or combination of solutions can be implemented to improve the quality of the air.  In some cases filters may be the answer, while in other cases, filters, humidifiers and outside air may be the best solution.

Posted on behalf of Find Local HVAC

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Which HVAC Filter Is Best?

August 31st, 2014 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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The filter for your HVAC system does two things: clean the air and protect your HVAC components. These filters catch and remove particles from the air, making sure your air clean to breathe while also keeping these same particles out of the working components of your system. Although any filter is better than none, there is quite a difference in the quality of filters and what particles they can capture from the air. 

Three Types Of HVAC Filters

HVAC filters are rated on the MERV system, the minimum efficiency reporting value. This rating runs from 1-16, with 16 at the highest level of efficiency. Three of the most common types of HVAC filters and their MERV ratings include: 

–        Fiberglass. The most basic filter uses fiberglass as a filtering agent. These filters are very cost effective, yet have a low MERV rating of between 1-4 in most cases. While these filters will help protect your system, they are not designed to improve air quality in your home.

–        Pleated and polyester. The next step above fiberglass filters is the pleated and polyester filters. These also will protect your HVAC system, plus remove more of the harmful contaminants in the air. The MERV ratings on these filters usually ranges between 8 to 13.

–        High-efficiency. The highest level of air quality from an HVAC filter comes from the high-efficiency filters. These filters are also pleated, removing up to 85% of pollutants from the air. These filters have the highest MERV rating of between 14-16. Although these are the highest rated filters, they are usually reserved for commercial use. 

Whatever filter you choose, make sure it is changed as part of your regular HVAC maintenance. Your local HVAC service company can check and replace your filters for you when performing tune-ups or other scheduled maintenance.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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