Heating, ventilation and air conditioning professionals report that dirty HVAC filters are the primary cause for furnace and air conditioning malfunctions. Cleaning or replacing filters regularly keeps your Okeana, Ohio, HVAC system clean. Cleaning filters are part of preventive maintenance that keeps units running efficiently. Well-maintained units use less energy and are better at keeping you comfortable.
Improved System Efficiency
Standard HVAC filters trap large airborne particulates. When filters get clogged, these particulates enter the system. When components become coated with dust and debris, the system must work harder to heat and cool. Clogged filters impede airflow, which reduces energy efficiency and make a unit run longer. Eventually, the unit becomes overtaxed and stops working.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Clogged filters allow pollutants to bypass the filter, enter the living space and affect the air you breathe. Cleaning filters are the first step in improving indoor air quality. However, standard filters are not designed to capture small particulates. Higher-grade filters can improve air quality.
Benefits of Upgrading Filters
Filters are rated according to a standardized scale called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV. The higher the MERV number, the better the filtration. Standard filters are rated between MERV 1 and 4. Most household pollutants easily escape this low level of filtration. Ratings between MERV 8 and 13 provide adequate filtration for most household needs.
High-efficiency filters create more resistance to airflow that may create a pressure drop. Check with your HVAC contractor to determine which filters will work best with your heating and cooling system. High-efficiency filters are typically used in hospitals and with commercial HVAC systems.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance
If you are interested in avoiding repairs, schedule a tune-up to make sure your system works properly. Western Hills Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has provided heating and cooling solutions for more than 30 years for residents of Okeana, Ohio and the surrounding area. Our preventive maintenance programs help keep your system in tip-top shape.
For more information about the benefits of maintaining your HVAC system or to schedule a maintenance appointment, call (812) 227-3001 to speak to one of our NATE-certified technicians.