Even with a premium heating and cooling system, an inefficient air filter will result in increased costs associated with operating the furnace and air conditioning unit. Everyone who is looking to save money each month on their utility bills should look to their air filters for answers. It’s important that every High Desert homeowner and business owner should choose the right air filter for their HVAC system as it maximizes the efficiency of the furnace while at the same time ensuring quality air throughout the home. At Elite Climate Control, our professionals recommend that all customers consider the following factors when choosing home air filters.
Factors that Affect Savings: Home Air Filters
Compare filters using the MERV data. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. If you are looking at different air filters, look for the bright yellow EnergyGuide sticker on the unit. Compare the different MERV ratings to decide which air filter is best for your HVAC system and your home. Our professionals recommend that customers choose air filters that have a rating of between 10 and 16 for a residential space. Filters that are rated higher will be better at filtering the tiniest air particles such as dust, pollen and dander. Capturing these particles with the air filter prevents them from being circulated again and again throughout the home.
Analyze the design of the filter. An air filter with one fiber-glass filter is not going to provide you with the protection you need for your home. These single-layer filters are designed to protect the HVAC system from large particles that may cause a clog or an obstruction in the coils. A homeowner should invest in a pleated, multi-layer filter that is designed for filtering the maximum number of pollutants in the home.
Evaluate the amount of bypass leakage. Bypass leakage is the amount of air that escapes the heating and cooling system without going through the air filters. Once you have purchased your filter, you will want to make sure HVAC professionals install it properly. This will eliminate the amount of bypass leakage that gets through the system, and ensure that the maximum amount of air passes through the air filter. Always make sure you choose an air filter that has a gasket which allows you to seal and prevent bypass leakage.
Home air filters are an essential piece of your entire HVAC system. As a homeowner or business owner, you will want to make sure that the air being circulated throughout your building is safe. Selecting the right filter for your system is the first step, but it’s important to have these filters changed on a regular basis. In addition to caring for the filters, you should also have a service professional from Elite Climate Control perform a bi-annual tune up on your heating and cooling equipment. This will allow you to enjoy maximum efficiency throughout the year and greater cost savings on your utility bills. For more information, contact us for a free phone estimate.
