Air Filter Choices

Air filter.

One of the most commonly neglected parts of your Chatsworth air conditioning system is one that is extremely important. The air filter. There are three things that you must remember in order to make sure that you air conditioner is always working properly!

1. Correct air filter size.
2. MERV ratings.
3. Your individual needs.

Does anyone in your home have allergies, maybe you have a cat or a dog. These are things that you need to think about. Would you prefer disposable filters or does it make sense to choose the permanent filters that you can wash every 30 to 60 days with regular soap. There are many types of air filters available but once you decided what fits your family the most, it’s really simple.

Your Chatsworth air conditioning company is here to walk you through the process. We have a full staff of licensed and certified technicians that can help your family understand what is best for you. Here are a couple of tips to get you in the right direction.

The first step is to make sure that you know the correct filter size for your system. If you use a filter that is too big or one that it is two small it will defeat the purpose. A filter that is the wrong size will not filter properly. The air pressure inside the system presses the air filter against the frame of the filter slot which acts as a seal so that air will not leak around the edges. All you have to do is make sure that the filter size fits into the slot and is large enough to touch all four sides of the frame.

Most air filters have the size printed right on them for easy visibility. It is important to remember that the nominal filter size is not the same as the actual filter size. The nominal dimensions are usually slightly larger than the actual filter dimensions.

The second step is understanding how the filters are related. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Rating Value and it was developed by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.) This rating system that is standard an industry standard rating system that allows you to compare filters made by different manufacturers. This a rating that is stand among the industry. The scale ranges from 1 (lowest efficiency) to 20 (highest efficiency) and represents how well the air filter collects and holds particles of a specified size range.

The last step is simply your family preference. Decide if you want a throwaway filter, a washable/reusable filter or and electronic air cleaner. Disposable air filters are generally inexpensive and need to be replaced every month to three months depending on the filter and the environment in the home.

Your Chatsworth air conditioning company recommends the washable filters. They are a little more costly upfront but they can be reused for a number of years before replacing. These filters are designed to be cleaned/washed every 30 to 60 days.

Electronic air filters are permanent fixtures in the heating and cooling system and require an electrical connection. They are more expensive than any other type of air filter but are very effective at removing particles from the air. Electronic air cleaners polarize the air particles and collect them on a disposable low-static polarized media pad. To ensure long-term effectiveness, you must be regularly clean the unit and replace the filter pads.

Don't hesitate to give your Chatsworth air conditioning company a call today if you have any further questions about which type of air filter is best for your family!