People tend to be oddly cheap when it comes to the furnace and central air filters. The furnace and central air conditioner are two of the most expensive pieces of equipment in the house, yet the homeowners try to nickel-and-dime the filter situation. They buy the cheapest models they can get and change them much less often than is recommended by technicians who provide service for HVAC in Omaha NE.
Flat vs. Pleated Filters
These technicians generally view the flat fiberglass filters as almost useless, although they do catch the largest bits of dust and other particulates. Most simply are blown through this type of filter and contribute to making the furnace or the interior of the home dirtier. At a minimum, homeowners should be buying a pleated filter, even if they choose the lowest-priced one on the shelf.
Replacement Timing
Most pleated filters should be changed every 30 to 60 days when the furnace or central air conditioner is running regularly. Technicians who offer service for HVAC in Omaha NE are accustomed to seeing very dirty filters when they perform maintenance and repair work. Sometimes it’s obvious that the device has been in place for several months when it should have been replaced a long time ago.
Evaluating Filter Condition
It’s OK if the filter is covered with a thin layer of dust that still allows the viewer to see evidence of the white material underneath. When the white material is completely covered with gray, the filter should be replaced. When a layer of dust that can be peeled away is there, the replacement is long overdue. The glut of debris interferes with energy efficiency and shortens the lifespan of the appliances.
Expert Insight on the Subject
The reluctance to replace filters as advised may stem from a suspicion that manufacturers simply want to sell more of these products. Technicians with a company such as Accurate Heating & Cooling can dispel that notion by explaining in more detail why it’s so important to have a relatively clean filter in place when the system is running. Visit the Website of this particular contractor to schedule an appointment.
