Understanding the Relationship Between Air Filters and Air Quality in A/C Units

Closeup view on air filter. Filtration concept.

Your home’s A/C unit is designed to condition the air running throughout your house or apartment. Usually, people think about conditioning the temperature of the air to keep it cool and comfortable. However, you also need to think about the role your A/C plays in conditioning the quality of the air. This is where air filters come in.

What Do Air Filters Do?

You want your A/C unit to be circulating cool, clean air. That is why you need to make sure to change the air filter regularly. The air filter screens out particles that are present in the air coming through your home and being circulated by your A/C unit. Unfortunately, if you do not change your air filter regularly, the particles can build up and reduce the efficiency of your unit, or the unit may become so clogged that particles are released back into the air.

What Makes Your Air Dirty?

The air quality inside your home is important for your overall health and well-being – especially if you suffer from any allergies. Air filters screen out harmful particles from your air so that your A/C unit continues to circulate clean, fresh air. The most common thing that air filters catch is dust. They also filter out harmful mites, spores, mold, and pollen. If you have a pet, then they will screen out hair and pet dander. They also screen out particles in the air from tobacco, wood, or food that may be present in your home. You can see these dirty particles build up on your air filter.

Keeping Your Air Fresh

 Air filters need to be changed regularly. Some brands require monthly intervals. Others last longer. Make sure to look at the packaging of your air filters for specific directions. Whatever the recommended interval, you will want to change your air filter whenever they are visibly dirty. Dirty air filters lead to dirty air and a less effective A/C unit. Fresh air filters lead to fresh air and a flourishing A/C unit. Air filters keep your air fresh by removing harmful particles. However, this may not be enough. If you live in a high-pollutant environment or have severe respiratory or allergy issues, then you may want to opt for an additional piece of equipment. We have written before about the benefits of air purifiers. These can improve the air quality in your home even more than the normal benefits from regularly changing your air filters.

 

Great Dane Heating and Air Conditioning offers a number of Carrier Air Purifiers for your home that can help drastically improve the quality of the air in your home. If you are not satisfied with the air quality in your home, give us a call today. We can take a look at your air filters, help you with regularly scheduled maintenance through our Customer Care Program, and see if you should add an air purifier to your home.

 

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