Air Filter | Air Conditioning Repair in Arlington, TX
When it is time for maintenance on the heating and air conditioning system, there are only a few tasks the homeowner can provide. They include changing the air filter routinely, vacuuming the registers and air return grill, and ensuring the outside unit has a clear area surrounding it. Changing the air filter ensures the system’s efficiency, lifespan and its performance. The failure to provide proper maintenance, both homeowner provided and professional maintenance, is likely to increase the frequency of necessary air conditioning repair in Arlington, TX.
Annual professional maintenance is required for any HVAC system to ensure its proper performance, efficiency and to prevent an increased need for air conditioning repair in Arlington, TX. The exception is the heat pump. Because it provides heat in the winter, and air conditioning in the summer, the unit carries a double workload. The heat pump should be professionally serviced in both the spring and the fall. The maintenance tasks you can provide, and those professionally rendered, will determine the unit’s lifespan, efficiency and your comfort. Furthermore, routine maintenance reduces the amount of breakdowns and air conditioning repair in Arlington, TX.
When a filter becomes excessively soiled, dirt and debris can enter the system. The result is a dirty, ineffective coil and friction that can wear components out much faster than is normal. This results in the need for air conditioning repair in Arlington, TX, and eventually the need to replace the system. In addition, it can potentially overheat the system, resulting in its permanent failure, and a potential house fire.
The air filter’s efficiency also affects your home’s indoor air quality. Fiberglass filters’, typically blue or green will not help your home’s air quality. They are designed to capture the largest and most harmful particles only. The pleated filter, and HEPA filters, can improve the indoor air. If you use washable filters, ensure time for them to dry before reinserting them. Otherwise, mold and mildew can develop in the filter and in the system. If mold or mildew occurs in the filter, remove it immediately and replace it. Leaving it in can result in the distribution of mold spores throughout the HVAC system and your home.
Air Filter Changes
The frequency in which you need to change the filter depends on the type of filter, and how fast it soils. Some filters, such as the fiberglass blues, require changing every month. Others require changing every three months, as with some pleated filters. However, regardless of the type of filter, check it every month. Home’s containing pets, smokers or extremely dusty conditions, and when pollen is heavy, may require more frequent changes. Remember, if you leave an overly dirty filter in, or worse yet a clogged one, you are causing unnecessary wear and tear on the system, which can result in the need for air conditioning repair in Arlington, TX.
HEPA Filters
Before upgrading to a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, check with your system’s manufacturer. You can also ask your Minuteman Heating & AC technician if your system can use a HEPA. If your HVAC system is not designed for use with a HEPA filter, damage may occur to the system. This can result in the need for air conditioning repair in Arlington, or replacement of the system.
Those whose heating and air conditioning can safely use a HEPA filter will see significant improvement in your home’s indoor air quality. This is especially important in modern home’s which are constructed so tightly in order to improve its energy efficiency. A HEPA filter will help to provide cleaner air to breathe for those with respiratory problems, including asthma and allergies. However, if your system does not qualify for a HEPA, a quality pleated filter is safe for most systems, and is not far behind a HEPA is improving air quality.
HEPA filters are more than 99% effective in removing air born particles 0.3 microns or above. They provide an alternative to an air purifying system for an extremely affordable cost.
Tips
- Routine cleaning of the HEPA filter prevents restriction of airflow, and ensures its ability to filter harmful substances and organisms from the air moving through it. In addition, regardless of the filter recommended for your HVAC system, a clean filter helps to ensure the highest efficiency, performance and cleaner air. A dirty filter can cause overheating. When the unit overheats, damage may occur, resulting in the need for air conditioning repair in Arlington, TX, or even replacement of the unit. Routine filter changes/cleaning will save you money over time, and will help to extend the units life span.
- Wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after removing a HEPA filter due to its capture of viruses and bacteria.
- During periods of relative humidity above 90%, turn off the filtration system to prevent a negative impact on the HEPA’s quality and performance.
Contact Minuteman Heating & AC NATE certified technicians to schedule heating and air conditioning service, or for questions regard your system’s air filter. Our technicians offer the expertise you can rely on for all of your HVAC needs. Our services include professional installation, maintenance, and expert heating and air conditioning repair in Arlington, TX. We provide services you can rely on for Arlington, Pleasant and the surrounding areas. Minuteman Heating & AC is a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.