HVAC Filter Knowledge Base

As we approach the winter months, and the snow begins to fall, we’re running out of time to perform those last minute checkups before the prime-time starts for technicians. Demand will be high this winter, driving the cost of maintenance even higher. You can perform a simple checkup for yourself, which will save the technician time and you money. You can also fix the easy things, like ordering a replacement furnace filter, so you don’t pay for a job you can do yourself. Here are some more tips to perform your own furnace checkup. Cycle the System The first sign that something is amiss is a burning smell coming from the ducts. It’s normal for this to occur the first...

Written by: Your Filter Connection Improve your air quality exponentially with this simple and affordable fix. The quality of the air in your home is directly related to how well your HVAC system has been maintained. With the prime heating season just around the corner, or in full swing throughout some parts of the country, you’ll want to perform some basic service to make sure the air quality will remain consistent and not dusty. Forced-Air Systems The basic action of a forced-air system is to push air through areas that are heated or cooled, and then circulate that air through your home. Without air conditioner filters, the air that is circulated picks up all the dust and particulates that accumulate...

Written by: Your Filter Connection If you want your home to keep its value, don’t forget these overlooked trouble spots. As we head into the winter months, many home owners are reviewing their maintenance costs for the year and assessing their investments. Most of the big jobs are probably taken care of, but have you truly maintained your home this year? Have you found every nook and cranny that can leech value from your property, like your air filter or draft spots on the windows and doors? Read on for some of the places people commonly overlook when searching for what to fix in their home. Furnaces The furnace is sometimes connected to your HVAC unit, but most of us...

Heating and air conditioning filters are designed to remove suspended particles from the air that circulates through an HVAC system. These filters improve indoor air quality while keeping dirt and dust from accumulating inside an HVAC unit. A clean unit operates more efficiently, which prolongs the life of the unit while reducing operating costs. It is important that the correct type and size filter be used. The most common type of air filter is the disposable fiberglass model that consists of interwoven layers supported by a wire frame. It is recommended that this inexpensive filter be changed once a month. Another popular throwaway model is the polyester or fiberglass pleated filter. The tightly woven layers and pleated design is more...

A clean air filter is integral to a properly functioning HVAC system, but knowing how to get the right one isn't always easy. Not all filters or systems are created equal, so you can’t buy any filter, but you can check part numbers on the filter itself for the proper sizes. Once you have the size you need, consider what you want out of a filter. Air filters can affect the quality of air in your home, including allergens and particulates, and they can even help remove certain odors like cigarette smoke. A 3M air filter, for instance, can help fend off dust and smog coming in from outside. Next, consider the function that the air filter's supposed to serve....

Written by: Your Filter Connection Changing your own air filter is easy to do and it increases the longevity of your HVAC system. The tell-tale hum of the HVAC unit is one of the first signs that your AC system isn’t working as it should be. One of the first areas to investigate this issue is your home air filter. If the filter is blocked, or clogged, harmful allergens may also spread throughout the home as well. The following will reveal how to do this yourself and save valuable time and money. To change it, one has to locate your residential air filter. You will need to extract the filter, to check its size and replace it. If you have...

Written by: Your Filter Connection The air filter is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system, so you should replace it regularly. HVAC systems use air filters to increase longevity and efficiency of your heating and cooling system by protecting it from dust, dirt and other airborne particles. Whether heating or cooling your home, most HVAC systems work by circulating air through a series of ducts throughout the interior of a building. All air passes through the central unit where the air conditioner filter is located. As air circulates through the central unit, it passes through the air filter, which provides a physical barrier between air intake and the moving parts of your HVAC system. In addition...

Allergens typically invade your senses when you step outside, but they can seep indoors as well. Identifying them can be a difficult proposition, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Allergens inside the home can affect everything from sleep patterns to breathing patterns. It’s important to identify the top triggers that may occur inside your home, and to utilize a Filtrete air filter that can neutralize the problem. Smoke and Odors Smoke of any kind can cause breathing problems for those sensitive to it. Bacon, for instance, produces a carcinogen similar to cigarettes. Fireplace fixtures that burn wood also leave behind smoke in the home, so it’s best to switch to smokeless logs or gas if you can...

Allergens are everywhere, but our homes mostly do a good job of protecting us. Where people tend to run into problems is with ventilation and air filters. Good ventilation can greatly improve the quality of air in your home. Poor ventilation can create problems with your respiratory system, and cause complications in your breathing. Learning what triggers these problems will help you avoid situations that cause allergens in the future. Physiological Reaction Allergy triggers are unique from person to person, so two people can experience the same trigger causing different symptoms. The lungs can’t draw enough air in, and that causes the victim to suffer coughing and wheezing fits. The importance of identifying triggers is a life or death matter...

Written by: Your Filter Connection Properly ventilating your home brings a number of health benefits to you and your family. It can also cut down on your energy bills, if you understand how cross-breezes work. Proper ventilation was basically medieval air conditioning. If you take the right precautions, such as installing replacement furnace filters, you can increase the quality of the air in your home without letting too much of the bad stuff inside. Ventilation System The first step in this process is to check the ventilation system that is connected to your central air conditioning unit. The ducts should be clear of debris, and the vents on the walls should be open to allow air to flow into the...