East Bay HVAC Air Filter Replacement

Changing your system’s air filter is the single most important thing you can do to prolong the life and maintain the efficiency of your equipment. Your air filter is one of the most pivotal parts of your entire HVAC system, impacting everything from your blower motor to the condition of your air ducts, and that means a dirty air filter can have far-reaching consequences on everything from air quality to energy efficiency. All of these things mean that you will need to replace your air filter periodically to keep your system in good condition.

However, many homeowners are not aware that the air quality may be worse inside their homes than outdoors, and for that reason your air filter can quickly become clogged up with dust, microbes, and other unwanted particles that are floating in the air around you. For homes with worse-quality air, those who have pets, or those who smoke indoors, this process can happen significantly faster than it does for others. When the time comes to replace your air filter Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning can help. We stock a wide range of high-quality air filters for a huge selection of HVAC systems. Not only can we deliver them regularly, but we may even be able to install a replacement filter as a part of our maintenance services, keeping your air cleaner for longer.

Cleaner air is just a phone call away with Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning! Dial (510) 288-5563 today to request air filter replacement for your HVAC system.

What Is a MERV Rating?

If you’re doing filter shopping, you’ve probably come across a number known as a MERV rating. MERV stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value” and is essentially way to measure the air cleaning power that any particular filter has. The higher the number, the more debris a filter can remove from the air. 

However, it’s important to note that bigger is not always better when it comes to MERV ratings. Sure, everyone wants the best filtration power for their HVAC system, but not all HVAC systems can utilize higher-MERV filters. Using too thick or too strong of an air filter can not only greatly increase the amount of energy your system uses, but can also damage your blower motor, reduce heating or cooling capacity around your home, and even damage your ductwork due to pressure differentials created by the reduced airflow. We strongly recommend talking to our team when choosing new air filters and let us walk you through the selection process to find the best filters for your home and your system.

Aprilaire MERV 16 Filters

If your current heating and cooling system is only utilizing the standard MERV 13 rated air filters, you might be able to upgrade to MERV 16 rated filters from Aprilaire. These filters capture up to 96% of virus size airborne particles, 99% of airborne allergy and asthma triggers, and can be easily installed in place of most existing air filters. This is particularly well suited for homes prone to tobacco smoke exposure.

Choosing the Right Size Filter for Your HVAC System

Air filters are measured by three simple dimensions: length, width, and thickness. This will be written as “AxBxC.” For the most part, your system will use filters with very specific measurements in each of these dimensions, with maybe some leeway for adjustability when it comes to filter thickness. However, the length and width are often set dimensions and can’t be adjusted or altered.

It’s worth noting that a thicker filter will often provide better air filtration capacity since it usually has far more surface area for air to pass over as it moves through your system. However, there are a lot of different factors that go into air filter performance, so it is still a good idea to talk to the pros at Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning for more information or specific recommendations.

How Often Should I Replace My Air Filter?

This answer can differ from property to property. For example, bigger and thicker air filters may not need to be replaced as often as smaller and thinner ones, but this may not always be true if your home has a high quantity of airborne dust or other particles that clog up an air filter. Dirty air ducts can also significantly reduce the lifespan of your air filter, requiring more frequent filter changes as dislodged dust cycles back through your system.

In general, we recommend checking your air filter every two to three months and having spare filters on hand in the event you need to replace yours. You might not need to replace your filter for up to six months at a time, or you might need to replace it every month, depending on how long you run your system and the quality of your indoor air. In any case, it’s best to be prepared and have spare filters at the ready so you can replace your filter ASAP should discover that you need it.

What Can Happen If I Don’t Replace My Air Filter?

Not replacing your air filter could be one of the biggest oversights you make when it comes to your HVAC system. A dirty air filter can cause all sorts of issues, including some that we already mentioned like straining your blower motor or damaging your air ducts. It can also lead to inefficiency by allowing dust to accumulate on coils, resulting in reduced cooling or heating capabilities. 

However, going even further than that, dirty air filters have been known to cause air conditioners to freeze—even in the middle of summer! When a thick layer of dust inhibits heat transfer in your evaporator coil, the extra-cold refrigerant continues to cycle through your system until it eventually reaches sub-freezing temperatures. Any water vapor that contacts this coil instantly freezes, eventually accumulating into an icy coil that can’t cool much and stops all airflow in your system! Talk about a weird and unhelpful problem to have when temperatures outside reach triple digits!

Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning takes your indoor air quality concerns seriously! Call us today at (510) 288-5563 or contact us online to schedule a review of your system.