AC Maintenance is crucial to the life of your HVAC unit. Maintaining the unit keeps dirt and debris out, which helps it run more efficiently. A critical aspect of this maintenance is replacing the filter. When the filter is not replaced, it can cause your HVAC unit to work much harder than it needs to. To learn more about this critical component of your HVAC unit, continue reading.

AC Maintenance: A Guide to HVAC Filters 

Purpose of a Filter 

Air filters are important for an HVAC unit because they clean the air that circulates through your home and trap debris like dust, pollen, mold spores, and even animal hairs. Filters can be made from a variety of materials like fiberglass or pleated paper and are held together by a cardboard frame. Due to the amount of contaminants they collect, it’s essential to keep up with AC maintenance.

Changing Your Filter 

As part of routine AC maintenance, the frequency of a filter change is dependent on the type of filter you purchase, and other factors. A spun fiberglass filter is the cheapest option but will need to be replaced every 30 days. Since a pleated air filter uses a higher grade material, it can last between three to six months. The manufacturer will determine a replacement schedule, which needs to be taken into consideration.

Reasons to Replace Filters Sooner 

By living in an area that has poor air quality can make your filter work harder than it should, which means replacements may need to come sooner. Pet dander and dirt tracked inside from outdoor pets can circulate through the system, causing it to get coated with hair and grime. For those who suffer from allergies or medical conditions like asthma, clean filters are crucial to your respiratory health. 

Different Types of Filters 

Aside from the spun fiberglass and pleated filter, there are several different types of filters to choose from. A washable filter costs more money upfront but is a great choice for the conscious consumer. For those suffering from allergies, a HEPA filter is a great solution, as it can screen up to 99.97% of contaminants. Other options include an electrostatic filter or UV filter. The electrostatic filter traps and locks debris using electrostatic charge, and the UV filter uses ultraviolet light to kill viruses and bacteria.

For AC maintenance help, choose the experts at Wild West Plumbing Heating & Drain Service in Kalispell, MT. Serving Montana’s Flathead Valley, the fully licensed professionals deliver exceptional HVAC repairs. Visit the website to learn more about their services or call (406) 752-1244 to schedule an appointment.