Air Filters For HVAC Units: Types & Uses
Your HVAC system is a crucial part of your home air system. It heats and cools your home to keep it at a comfortable temperature. Around the world, HVAC systems have become an integral part of both business and home properties but it does more than climate control.
Breathe Clean Air
One of the jobs that the HVAC system performs is to clean air that is being pumped into your heating and cooling systems.
Clean air purification is accomplished through the air filters for HVAC units.
A variety of different HVAC air filters exist.
Each type of filter offers different levels of purification through different methods. The most common types are:
- Fiberglass Air Filters
- Pleated Air Filters
- Electrostatic Air Filters
- HEPA Air Filters
The type of air filter that you use depends on your HVAC system and your exact needs. You will have to determine how filtered you want the air to be in your home. For example, those who are looking for allergy relief will want to look at higher filtration air filters.
Fiberglass Air Filters
These inexpensive filters are made up of different types of fiberglass that work to catch large particles in the air. They have a low filtration rate but are cheap. If you have pets or allergies you might want to consider a higher level of filtration.
While cheap, it is important to note that fiberglass air filters almost always need to be changed more regularly.
Pleated Air Filters
Pleated filters come in a variety of different shapes but are also very inexpensive. Using a pleated style V-shape design, these filters are able to filter a higher level of particles. Pleated air filters have a medium lifespan.
Electrostatic Air Filters
An electrostatic air filter utilizes a small electric charge to catch particles that flow through the filter. These are slightly more expensive filters but they capture a larger amount of contaminants from the air.
HEPA Air Filters
Those that want to remove most contaminants from the air want to use a HEPA air filter. Any particles down to .3 microns will be removed from the air. While more expensive, these filters give you what you pay for.
A HEPA air filter will typically last the longest.
The Lifespan of Air Filters For HVAC Units
HVAC air filters don’t last forever. The more contaminants that they filter from the air, the less time that the air filter will be able to operate. Added to that, each type of air filter has a different lifespan based on the types of particles that are filtered.
On average, air filters can last anywhere from a few months to a year.
Some air filters have the benefit of being able to be cleaned. You take the filter out of the unit and wash it off in the sink. Following the instructions of the system is vital here as different filter types have different washing requirements. They also may require drying before being placed back in the unit.
Where Is The HVAC Air Filter Located?
Many HVAC systems are built differently, and that means that air filters can be located around the unit in different locations. With that in mind though, the air filter can be found in one of several common locations. Let’s take a look.
Horizontal HVAC units will often have the air filter somewhere on the side of the unit at the air intake portion of the unit. For vertical units, you can find the air filter either on the bottom or the top of the unit.
For other units, you can find the filter behind the air grill in the wall. Some will have an HVAC filter in each room.
Ways To Locate Your Air Filter
If you can’t find your HVAC air filter after looking in these areas you might have to look up the manual online. The manual will list the location of the air filter in it, and most manufacturers feature PDF copies of their manuals online. Therefore; a lot of your heating, cooling, ventilation & filter questions can be answered with the manual.
With a good HVAC filter, you will have a much healthier home. For those with allergies and breathing conditions, you can even start to breath better in your own home. This can be a big relief that makes it once again comfortable to be at home.
Need Expert Help? Give Sig Cox a Call!
Routine maintenance of your system by replacing your air filter with the proper type and size is the best way to avoid missing out on the clean air your system is supposed to be creating.
If you aren’t sure what type of filter, size or type you need, don’t hesitate to Contact Sig Cox to schedule a service call today.
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“I called 6 other companies when my AC stopped pushing air at 5PM. None of them seemed to want my business. When I got to Sig Cox, the guy who answered the phone was polite, knowledgeable, and was even trouble shooting with me before sending someone out. The agent got to my house in 30 minutes, troubleshoot, and fixed the problem in another 30. He even topped off the freon for free. The pricing was definitely agreeable. You’d get charged the same or more with any other company. Some of the best customer service I have seen. You should absolutely consider Sig Cox for you HVAC problems, I won’t be looking anywhere else.”
Nicholas BrennanGoogle Review
“These people are amazing. After hiring Sig Cox the first time to fix my HVAC unit about a year ago, I was more than happy, to say the least. Then about a week ago I had them install a new HVAC unit for me. This is by far the best a/c repair company in Augusta GA. They are professional, timely, and really take care of their customers. I highly recommend them and proudly give them an A+ rating! Thank you all so much!”
Chris KirkseyGoogle Review
“This company did some work for my mother-in-law, of which she was quite pleased, so she recommended them to us. We had a downstairs unit that just wasn’t putting out any cool air. They came by post haste and assessed the unit, gratis. Of course it was a compressor failure so we had to make the hard decision to buy a new unit or fix what we had. The advice we got from our man on the scene was honest and sincere.
Since we had an older unit that used the phased out Freon and compressors are ugh, expensive, we went with a new unit. We decided on the Amana since it had a lifetime warranty on the compressor and rated well in Consumer Reports.
A month later the other unit failed and we replaced that as well. Six Cog worked with us on the price, we were never hassled on the payment, nor did they demand any payment on the spot and never did I feel pressured into anything. The install was smooth, fast and highly professional. Both units fired up, granted a month apart, and the house was cool almost immediately.
This company has a great reputation from what I can garner in the community, and I’m here to tell you that I recommend them highly as well. Please note that this is first recommendation I have ever put online.”
Donald BradshawGoogle Review
“Very good experience. The Service Technician, David, went above and beyond to assist us in our AC repair.”
Daniel BrownGoogle Review
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Margaret BrubakerGoogle Review
My air conditiong system went out, Sig Cox was recommended so I called them. Technician Andrew came out, was on time, and he properly diagnosed the problem. He had the part ordered. When the part came in, Nolan installed the part perfectly. Both technicians were very professional and knowledgeable. I even talked to the owner of the company who is involve day-to-day with his company. Very nice people to deal and they really go beyond what’s expected to help you get things fixed. I highly recommend Sig Cox!! Ask for Andrew or Nolan, they know what they’re doing!!
Dan CanGoogle Review
“We had a heating and air company we were satisfied with, but when we needed a new unit we went with Sig Cox because of the deal we couldn’t beat. We have been SO impressed with everyone we have worked with, from the customer service, to the salesman, to the technicians, they are all so friendly and professional! We will be loyal customers from now on!”
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