What Is an AC Air Filter?

As the name implies, this part of a home cooling system filters the indoor air. This prevents the system from recirculating dust, pollen, pet fur, and other debris around your house. Even though home cooling is a primary function of an air conditioner, this system can also help to keep the indoor air clean. Without a working filter, the air in your home could have an odd odor and contain allergens or pollutants.

Does the AC Filter Impact the Rest of the System?

Yes, the filter can affect how well (or how poorly) the rest of the AC system works. A dirty, clogged air filter can slow even the most efficient systems down. If you're not sure where to find the system's filter or which replacement is the best option, talk to a professional.

Ask the technician to point out the location of the air filter during routine maintenance. The tech can replace or clean (if your system has a reusable filter) the filter for you. They can also recommend a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) number product to use in the future. 

What Does MERV Mean?

The minimum efficiency reporting value is a way to measure the effectiveness of an air filter. The MERV rating applies to new air filters. As your filter traps dust, dirt, and debris, it will clog. Over time, this decreases the original MERV value. To maintain a higher MERV value, change or clean the filter (depending on what type it is) regularly.

MERV values range from one to 16 and higher. A one to four MERV filter will only trap larger 3.0 to 10.0 micron particles at a rate of less than 20 percent of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But a MERV 16 air filter can trap 95 percent of 0.30 to 1.0 micron particles. High efficiency particulate air filters (commonly known as HEPA filters) can trap 99.97 percent of 0.3 micron sized particles.

How Often Should You Replace an AC Filter?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. These include how often you use the air conditioner, what the type of filter is, and what the indoor environment is like. If you have pets, smoke, use harsh cleaning chemicals, or are renovating your home, you will need to replace or clean the air filter more often. You may also need to replace the air filter often if you or a household member has environmental or seasonal allergies.

An HVAC system that includes a forced air heater and central air conditioner will usually share an air filter. This means it's possible you recently changed the system's filter at the end of the winter heating season.



But if you did not have an end-of-season maintenance appointment or change or clean the filter, now is the time to do so. Start the summer cooling season off with a clean filter. Not only will this help to control the indoor air quality, but it can also increase your air conditioner's energy efficiency and reduce the risks of premature breakdown.

How Can the Air Filter Impact the Need for Repairs?

The harder your system has to work, the more wear and tear you put on it. A clean air filter decreases wear over time and can reduce the likelihood of damage or other problems that would require a professional repair.

Does your system need AC maintenance or a repair? Contact Riverside Heating & Air Conditioning for more information.