Air Filter Replacement & Installation in Connecticut

What Is An Air Filter?

The air filter in your home HVAC system is a component designed to remove contaminants, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, from the air that circulates through the system.

Why is an Air Filter Important?

Air filters allow air in your heating or air conditioning equipment to pass through to the duct system in your home, while at the same time trapping the small particles in the air so they don’t pass through to the rest of the house. This allows the air passing through your ventilation system to have less of a chance of spreading around irritants that can be inhaled.

Such filters also serve an important role of protecting your equipment and extending its life expectancy. Clogged filters are among the leading causes of HVAC system failure. Simply put, air can’t move through a clogged filter. And this can cause you to lose 25% or more of the efficiency in your heating and cooling system, resulting in increased energy bills.

What Causes an Air Filter to Malfunction?

• Dirty or Clogged Filter: Over time, the filter can become clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris, reducing airflow and causing the HVAC system to work harder than necessary. A dirty or clogged filter can cause decreased efficiency, increased energy bills, and decreased air quality.
   
• Improper Installation or wrong size: If the filter is not installed properly air in the system might be restricted from passing through freely. Using the wrong size filter may allow air to bypass the filter completely. 
• Poor Quality Filter: Low MERV rating filters will not trap a high percentage of airborne particles.
   

How Do I Know if my Filter is not Performing as Expected? How Will it Affect My System?

Air filters don’t typically “break” like other components in your HVAC system, but they can become clogged, dirty, or damaged over time. Here are some signs that your air filter may need to be replaced:

• Poor Air Quality: If you notice a decrease in air quality in your home, such as increased dust or allergies, it may be due to a dirty or clogged air filter.
• Reduced Airflow: A dirty or clogged filter can cause decreased airflow through your HVAC system. You may notice your system constantly running and the air coming out of your registers seems weaker than usual.
• Increased Energy Bills: If your energy bills have increased without a corresponding increase in usage, it may be due to a dirty or clogged air filter.
• System Failure: In extreme cases, a dirty or clogged filter can cause your HVAC system to fail (ie. Frozen Coil).

How Often Should You Change Your Air Filters?

The answer is, it depends on your living situation. Are there several people sharing your home? How big is your home? Do you have pets? Does someone in the home suffer from allergies or respiratory medical conditions?  If you answered yes to most of the above questions, it could be in your best interest to change your filters anywhere from four to six times a year.

If you’re unsure about how often to change your filters, or even what the right filter for your home is, give us a call.