In order to maintain a comfortable atmosphere in your Denham Springs, Louisiana, home you need a functional HVAC system. That system contains an air filter that prevents debris from moving through the ducts and blocking airflow. If you don’t know much about HVAC air filters, this guide will help you understand them inside and out.

Function

An air filter’s purpose is to clean the air that moves through your heating and cooling system. Filters can trap and hold all types of contaminants that could otherwise get into the air you breathe and make you sick. Examples include biological growth, dirt, dust, fibers, pollen, lint, particles of plaster, metal, or wood, pet and human hair, dander, and bacteria. Filters are typically made of spun fiberglass material, although some are pleated cloth or paper placed inside a cardboard frame. When changing your filter, it’s important to use the same style and size to avoid problems with the system.

Ratings and Efficiency

Every HVAC filter has an efficiency rating, which indicates the level of filtration it will perform in your home. The most common rating system is the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which ranges from 1 to 16. A level between one and four offers basic filtration, while a level between six and eight is recommended for residential use. If anyone in your home suffers from allergies or other medical conditions, you may want to choose a filter with a higher MERV rating as these can remove very small particles. The highest rating can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air.

Changing Schedule

Every HVAC unit has a different schedule for filter changes. Check your owner’s guide or just take a look at the filter every month or two. If dirt is visible, it’s time to swap out the filter.

If you’re having trouble locating your air filter for replacement or need additional HVAC services, contact our team at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Baton Rouge by calling (225) 320-4162.