Phoenix AC Filter Replacement
The Overwhelming Selection of Air Filters – Which is Right for your HVAC System?
A properly working, and not too old, air filter is critical to a home air conditioning system keeping you cold and to avoid costly repairs. When it’s time for filter replacement, you want to make sure you’re buying the right one for your system.
A filter’s efficiency is measured in MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings. 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 dust particles and other airborne contaminants pass through the filter. Most residential air filters have a MERV rating of one to four, while commercial cooling system filters have a five or more MERV rating.
Types of Filters
Take a read of these brief descriptions of the most common filters available:
Disposable fiberglass filters are the least expensive – and most common – type of disposable filter and are good at capturing large particles like lint and dust. They protect your HVAC unit but don’t do much to improve indoor air quality.
Washable air filters are attractive to some homeowners because they don’t require replacement as often. However, these filters usually have a very low MERV rating and are not as proficient at removing smaller particles like pet dander, cigar smoke or hair spray, as a disposable filter.
High-efficiency air filters have the highest MERV ratings. High-efficiency particulate absorption or HEPA filters must satisfy certain standards of efficiency set by the U.S. Department of Energy. To qualify as HEPA, an air filter must remove 99.97 percent of particles that have a size of 0.3 µm or larger. They are most often used in hospitals, commercial buildings or industrial settings.
When purchasing a filter, consider the level of efficiency you will need. If you or members of your family are prone to allergies or asthma, consider purchasing a filter that ranks higher on the MERV scale. The higher the rating, the more efficient and effective the filter is at collecting debris in the air. Or, contact a reputable Phoenix AC contractor, like those at Chas Roberts Air Conditioning & Plumbing, to help you select the right filter for you.
Change Your Filter Regularly
Changing a filter is easy to do and is an important step in reducing needed AC repairs and prolonging Phoenix AC replacement. To determine what size filter you will need, look at your AC unit’s existing filter or bring it with you to the store for guidance. Purchasing the correct size filter is important in ensuring your home’s air quality is not compromised.
The Phoenix AC contractors at Chas Roberts are your filter experts! To purchase your filters from ChasRoberts, visit ChasRoberts.com/purchasefilters. To schedule an appointment with an experienced Chas Roberts technician, visit ChasRoberts.com or call (602) 943-3426 in Phoenix or (520) 292-6858 in Tucson.
