Never underestimate the importance of your air filters in keeping your HVAC unit working at peak performance. Did you know that a dirty filter can reduce your HVAC efficiency by up to 15%? That makes your unit work harder than it should, and you will also notice your energy bills increasing! Dirty filters can also increase the risk of system failure and breakdowns, so it is important to have your air filters cleaned or changed regularly as part of the maintenance carried out by an HVAC company in Knoxville. Even though air filters are so important, most homeowners don't really know too much about them, and there is a lot of misinformation floating around. With that in mind, let your HVAC company in Knoxville debunk a few common myths about HVAC air filters!
Myth #1 - Cheap Fiberglass Air Filters Are Enough
With so many household expenses on your plate, it is only natural to want to cut out some expenses wherever possible. That is likely where the assumption is that as long as you change your filters regularly, the cheapest 1-inch fiberglass filters will do just fine came from. That is technically true, but the old saying 'you get what you pay for' rings true in this situation. These cheap air filters will do very little to improve your indoor air quality rating as these filters only have a MERV rating of between 1 and 4. If you hold one up to the light, you will see they are on the verge of being transparent! They will do a decent enough job at filtering out large dust particles and other contaminants, but the smaller particles will breeze through! Investing a little more for a higher quality air filter with a better MERV rating is much better. As an HVAC company in Knoxville, we recommend choosing an air filter with a rating of 8-13 for residential property. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the filter will be at trapping microscopic contaminants and allergens.
Myth #2 - Expensive Air Filers Are A Waste of Money
Now that we have established that cheap fiberglass filters are the least effective option, it is important to address another commonly held misconception. Many people believe that spending money on expensive filters is just a waste of money. While pleated filters, electrostatic filters, and filters with higher MERV ratings are more expensive, they are also much more effective at filtering out allergens and pollutants from the air you are breathing. If you have family members with respiratory conditions or allergies, it is practically essential that you invest in more expensive and, thus, more effective air filters to give them the best possible indoor air quality. You don't necessarily need to opt for the most expensive air filter you can find, but spend a little more to ensure you get filters with a good MERV rating. Talk to an HVAC company in Knoxville to get recommendations on the best filter to suit your HVAC system and meet your family's needs.
Myth #3 - Air Filters Won't Save You Money
As noted above, when your air filter is clogged, your HVAC unit has to work harder to maintain the required temperature, making it much less efficient. Inefficient HVAC systems use more energy, which results in higher utility bills for you! Now, you may think that something as simple as a clean air filter can't make that much difference to your energy bills. However, according to the Department of Energy, replacing clogged air filters on your HVAC unit can lower energy consumption by 5% and 15%. That represents a significant saving on your energy bills. Remember that clean filters also minimize the risk of costly repairs due to unexpected breakdowns, and you are on track to save even more money. It is well worth talking to an HVAC company in Knoxville today about scheduling a maintenance check and air filter change!
Myth #4 - Filters Need Changed Once a Year
As an HVAC company in Knoxville, our technicians will often ask homeowners when the last time the filters were changed was when they are out for a service call, as dirty filters are one of the most common reasons for breakdowns. More often than not, they are met with a blank look or are told it gets changed at the annual tuneup each year. Changing your filters once a year is not enough! Most air filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days. Your circumstances will help determine which end of that scale your filters sit on. If you have pets at home or you suffer from allergies or asthma, then you will undoubtedly want to change your air filters more frequently. You can ask your HVAC company in Knoxville for a recommendation on how often they think your filters will need to be replaced.
In conclusion, maintaining your HVAC system by regularly changing or cleaning your air filters is a simple yet effective way to enhance performance, lower energy costs, and ensure good indoor air quality. Avoiding common misconceptions about air filters will help you make informed choices, whether that means opting for higher-quality filters or changing them more frequently than once a year. A trusted HVAC company in Knoxville can guide you in selecting the right filters for your system, ensuring your home remains comfortable and your unit runs efficiently year-round. Don't underestimate the power of a clean filter—it's an investment in both your comfort and your savings!
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Gent Heating and Cooling provide heating and air conditioning for residential and commercial clients in Knoxville, Knox County, and the surrounding East Tennessee area. Over 20 Years experience. Customer Service is Our Top Priority. We strive to be on time, provide accurate estimates, and have most replacement products on our service vehicles.
Call 865-213-3818 or email office@genthvac.com
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