HVAC Air Filters: Simple But Important

You probably don’t think much about your home air conditioning system, until it’s in need of Phoenix AC service. You just want it to work, and work well, when you need it. So you may be surprised to learn that one of the most important items in your air conditioning unit when it comes to the system’s performance is the air filter.

What the Air Filter Does

Those rectangular, accordion-looking things with the cardboard borders. Those are air conditioning filters and that simple-looking contraption is what keeps the air conditioning system clean and removes particles from the air before it gets pushed into your home.

Here’s how an air filter works: As an air conditioner brings air into your home, that air is cooled by blowing it over a set of cold pipes called an evaporator coil. The air goes from the evaporator coil to the filter, and the filter begins doing its job of catching airborne particles such as dust, pollen, mold and bacteria. These particles would otherwise go into your home, leading to polluted air and problems for those with allergies.

Having an old, dirty air filter decreases the efficiency of your air conditioning, possibly causing higher energy bills and air that’s not so cool. For proper Phoenix AC maintenance, it’s recommended that you change your air filters once a month. It’s easy to do and disposable filters can be purchased at a reasonable price from your air conditioning and heating go-to: Chas Roberts Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

Types of Air Filters

When purchasing an air filter, you’ll see something called the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. This rating tells you the ability of an air conditioning filter to remove dust from the air as it passes through the filter. A higher MERV rating means fewer particles and other airborne contaminants pass through the filter. Most residential air filters have a MERV rating of one to four.

• Fiberglass air filters –These capture large particles like lint and dust and are the least expensive type of disposable filter. These filters protect your HVAC unit but won’t improve indoor air quality much.

• Pleated air filters – These commonly-used filters remove a higher level of mold spores and pet dander.

• High-efficiency air filters – These filters have the highest MERV ratings and remove the highest level of air pollutants. They are most often used in commercial settings.

Although replacing your air filter regularly is simple, you may be in need of a higher level of air purification. If so, you’re in luck. Chas Roberts, your partner in Phoenix AC service, offers only the best in air purification systems. And right now, Chas is offering a 10 percent discount on the top-of-the-line Cirrus Air Strata Plus. But don’t wait – this offer is only good until April 30, 2015. To schedule an appointment for Phoenix AC maintenance, visit ChasRoberts.com or call (602) 943-3426 in Phoenix or (520) 292-6858 in Tucson.