The filter of an air conditioner is one of the most critical parts of the overall system in your home. The filter ensures your family breaths clean air and allergy symptoms are reduced.
An air filter that is dirty also makes an air conditioner work harder and increases the power it consumes. By keeping an air conditioner’s filter clean, you can reduce your electricity bills and maintain a system that works at top efficiency.
Air conditioner filters can be broken down into three types. They are classified by their construction, material, and operation. More information can be obtained by turning to blairsair.com, or you can read on.
Mechanical Air Filters
The most common type of filter used in home air conditioners today is the mechanical air filter. Automatic air filters employ synthetic fibers to catch debris and dust and stop them from circulating in the air you breathe. There are also charcoal filters that use mechanical methods to eliminate small particles of debris in the air.
Fiberglass air filters are also a conventional type of disposable filter. These are available in two sizes: one inch and two inch. This measurement refers to the thickness of the filter. This kind of filter is generally considered the most economical type available but is also the least effective at removing particles from the air. Fiberglass air filters must also be changed more often since they have an adhesive mesh coating to catch debris particles and are often damaged by cleaning.
Pleated Air Filters
Another type of air conditioner filter is the pleated variety, which removes about 35 to 40 percent of pollutants in the air. Pleated air filters are more effective at what they do because they are made with more fibers per square inch than other disposable filters. This can be important because the more fiber present in the filter, the more effective it will be to remove debris from the air.
Electronic Air Filters
Electronic air filters are the most expensive air filters available. This is because they are the most effective at removing debris and dust from the air. Electronic air filters work by using electricity to attract smaller debris. These include mold, smoke, and pet odors. Electronic air filters come in two sizes, as do fiberglass filters.
Electronic air filters last about six months before they need to be replaced. They also often come with a pre-filter that removes larger particles from the air. There is some controversy about electronic air filters involving the ionizing of these filters, which is said to create dangerous ozone particles.
The MERV RatingAir conditioning filters are also categorized by what are called MERV ratings. When a homeowner is trying to buy a filter, they should always look for the MERV rating, usually displayed as a sticker. The larger the MERV rating, the better the filter is at removing larger particles and helping with efficiency. Air filters with larger MERV ratings are best for homeowners or their families who suffer from respiratory illnesses or if there is a problem with low air quality in your area.
How Often Should an Air Filter Be Changed?
Unless otherwise indicated, an air conditioner filter should be changed every two to three months. If you check your air filter and it appears that the dust is matted on the surface, you’ve waited too long and should replace it immediately.