The heating and air conditioning system within your St. Charles, Louisiana, home relies on a filter to prevent excess debris from causing damage. The air filter is a commonly overlooked component, although it’s very important to the overall functionality and efficiency of your system. Understanding the role of your St. Charles, LA air conditioning filter can help you learn more about how to take better care of it.
Air Filter Function
An HVAC air filter is made of pleated cloth, paper, or spun fiberglass that is enclosed within a frame, often made of cardboard. Its main purpose is to trap particles in the air that would otherwise move into your HVAC system, which could potentially impact the indoor air quality of your home and the overall comfort level. Some of the most common particles found in indoor air include pollen; pet hair and dander; lint and other fibers; biological growth spores; dust and dirt; particles of plaster, wood, or metal; and bacteria.
Every air filter must be changed regularly to ensure efficiency and proper operation. If the filter is clogged with dust and debris, it can no longer do its job, allowing those contaminants to enter your system and move through the air you breathe. Most HVAC equipment manufacturers recommend changing the filter every 1-2 months for optimal performance.
Sizing and Ratings
Air filters come in various sizes and ratings. Before you replace your filter, make sure the new unit is the same size as what you’re taking out of the system. An improperly sized filter may slip out of place or jam up the system. A MERV rating refers to how effectively the filter can remove smaller particles from the air. If anyone in your home suffers from asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions, an air filter with a higher MERV rating can help reduce symptoms.
If you’re having trouble locating or replacing the air filter in your HVAC system, our technicians at Bryans United Air Conditioning can help. Contact us at 504-208-2071 to get started.
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