As a homeowner in McKinney, TX, you have likely heard of the importance of air conditioning filters for your cooling system. The air filter performs many important functions that affect the air conditioner’s energy efficiency, system lifespan and even your health. With all of the different air filters to choose from, you might wonder what is the best filter for your particular air conditioner. Our heating and air conditioning service team at Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating explain what air conditioning filters do, the different filter options and how to select the best one for your McKinney, TX home.
About Air Conditioner Filters
The filter in your air conditioner plays the leading role in airflow and the cleansing of the air. All of the conditioned air produced by the air conditioning unit must pass through the filter before entering your home’s air ducts. As it passes through the air filter, particles of dust, mold spores, pet dander, bacteria and viruses become embedded in the filter’s pores. Over time, these pores may clog up, reducing the filter’s effectiveness and the air conditioner’s efficiency at cooling your home. The resulting dirty air can be harmful to health and detrimental to the system’s performance. As a result, every three months the air filter should be cleaned if it is reusable or replaced if it is disposable.
Types of Air Conditioner Filters
Air filters are available in four types, many sizes and with varying degrees of efficiency.
- Fiberglass
Fiberglass filters are the basic flat filter for an air conditioner. They are the least expensive and least effective at trapping particles. - Pleated Filters
Pleated filters offer a greater surface area than a flat fiberglass filter. They cost a little more than a flat fiberglass filter. - Electrostatic
Electrostatic air filters use electricity to attract charged particles and trap them. These filters are known for doing well at trapping dust. - HEPA
High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters must remove 99.97% of all airborne particles greater than 0.3 micrometers in size.
MERV is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a designation provided by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers. The MERV rating is an important piece of information for consumers so that they can understand the effectiveness of the filter in trapping different sizes of particles. The higher the MERV rating, the better job the filter does at trapping small particles such as bacteria and mold spores
Health Benefits of Air Filters
Air filters provide functions that benefit the health of people living in and visiting your home. These health benefits include:
- Fewer mold spores – The better efficiency the filter, the more effective it is at capturing mold spores. This can be beneficial to people allergic to mold or in people with asthma that is triggered by mold.
- Less dust – People allergic to dust or whose asthma is triggered by dust will benefit by less dust in the air of the home.
- Fewer germs – Some filters are able to capture viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory infections.
Other Benefits of Air Conditioner Filters
A high quality of air conditioner not only benefits your health, but it also benefits the cooling system and the cleanliness of your home.
- Easier to clean. With less dust floating through the air of your home, your home may be easier to clean.
- Better energy efficiency. With less dust, dirt and debris in the system’s motors, your air conditioner will operate with a greater level of energy efficiency. This can result in lower cooling costs.
- Longer air conditioner lifespan. A clean motor in the blower and compressor mean a longer system lifespan. This could save you thousands of dollars in system replacement costs.
- Fewer system malfunctions. A cleaner air conditioner performs better and is less likely to malfunction or break down.
Selecting an Air Conditioner Filter That Meets Your Needs
When selecting an air filter, you will need to weigh your needs against the system’s requirements. The air conditioner will require a particular size of air filter. The system’s warranty may require that you use a specific brand or pore size of filter lest you void the warranty. Your health conditions may necessitate selection of the highest efficiency filter available, while your budget may require selection of a mid-grade filter.
Air Filter Installation
We offer air filter installation throughout the Collin County TX area. Our service technicians will replace your air filter during system tune-ups and every 90 days or more frequently as needed by the system. To schedule an air filter installation in Collin County TX, just give us a call and schedule an appointment with our friendly HVAC service technicians.
At Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we help our residential and commercial customers get the most from their heating and A/C systems. We have built a solid reputation throughout the Collin County TX community for reliable, trustworthy and affordable air conditioner service. By helping you choose the best air filter for your air conditioner, we can assist you in saving money on your monthly cooling costs and possibly improve your health as well. For more information on air conditioner filters, to purchase a filter or have a new one installed in your central air conditioner, all you need to do is give us a call. We look forward to ensuring your comfort and good health throughout the year.
