Articles

A simple air filter can have a major effect on a residential HVAC system’s ability to improve indoor air quality and provide effective heating and cooling. If inspected and replaced on a regular schedule, a modestly priced air filter can go a long way toward cleaning your indoor air and providing efficient cooling and heating.

No matter what sort of forced-air cooling and heating system your home uses — whether a heat pump, A/C, furnace or combination of A/C and furnace — the air filter is an essential component. Before your home’s ductwork routes air into the indoor component of the HVAC system, the air is forced through an air filter. A properly working filter removes dust and debris, including a variety of pollen, dander, mold spores and other organic and non-organic contaminants.

Improving Indoor Air Quality

You can expect improved indoor air quality when contaminants have been removed from the air before it flows into the furnace chamber or across the evaporator coils of an A/C or heat pump. Depending on circumstances in your home and the quality of the air filter you’re using, you may need to supplement the air filter with a dedicated air purifier or a system that utilizes a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Better Performance

An air filter that captures dust and debris carried by your indoor air prevents these particulates from settling on sensitive components of heating and cooling equipment. Dust can impede the performance of a furnace blower, for example, or reduce the heat-exchange capability of an evaporator coil. When these parts are kept clean, the HVAC system can operate at its intended efficiency level and lower your energy bills.

Air Filter Maintenance

Any air filter can only do its job if it’s kept clean. Get in the habit of inspecting the air filter monthly and changing it when it looks dirty.

For help maintaining good indoor air quality and HVAC system performance in your home, please contact Nicholson. We proudly serve the Hendersonville, NC area 24-7.