Swap Out Dirty Air Filters to Improve HVAC Performance

The secret to HVAC system longevity, fewer repairs, and increased energy efficiency lies in its air filter.

Keeping this essential HVAC component clean is key to maintaining furnace and air conditioner health and good indoor air quality (IAQ), whether it is the middle of a bone-chilling January night or a humid July afternoon.   

At Comfort Now by Bob McAllister, when people ask us, “What’s the most important thing I can do to keep my system running longer?” We give them a simple answer: Change your air filter!

Clean air filters contribute to a happy and healthy home by keeping debris out of your HVAC unit and your indoor air. We encourage homeowners in Galloway, and surrounding communities to replace dirty filters before they clog, leading to costly breakdowns.

We’ve compiled information in this blog to help you understand filter ratings, replacement frequency, and how to tackle this easy maintenance task.

Let Your Furnace Breathe in Galloway, NJ

Your air filter’s main job is to protect the internal components of your furnace from dust, hair, and debris.

Your furnace has to work twice as hard to pull air through a clogged filter. When dirty filters block airflow, they increase static pressure, which can strain and eventually damage the blower motor. By simply keeping the filter clean, your HVAC system can operate more efficiently.

A clean filter can cut your energy use by up to 15 percent. That is real money back in your pocket just for taking a few minutes to swap a filter.

Decoding MERV Ratings

At the hardware store, you’ll see a lot of numbers on the filter aisle. These are Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings. MERV ratings show the particle size each filter traps. Here’s a rundown:

MERV 1–4: These basic fiberglass filters catch big particles, such as carpet lint, but they don't do much for air quality.

MERV 5–8: They trap dust, mold spores, and pollen, in addition to larger particles.

MERV 9–12: These high-efficiency filters are ideal for many South Jersey homes. They screen out even smaller particles, including some bacteria.

MERV 13–16: These filters offer the ultimate in efficiency, trapping smoke, viruses, and everything lower-rated filters catch.

Should you use a MERV 16 in your HVAC system? Not always. If your system is built for MERV 8, a MERV 16 filter will restrict airflow and harm equipment. Check with Comfort Now to determine the correct rating for your unit.

Standard and Media Filters

Standard filters are one inch wide with a small surface area that can clog fairly quickly. Be sure to inspect your standard filter monthly and replace it every 30 to 60 days.

Five-inch media filters have deeper pleats, more surface area, and last six months to a year. Install and forget about it for months.

When to Speed Up Filter Replacement

Every Jersey Shore home is unique. If you live alone, pet-free, and keep windows closed, your standard 1-inch filter may last 60 to 90 days. Replace it sooner if you:

Pet Parent: If you live with dogs or cats, their fur and dander contribute to the debris that enters your return air vent. Check your filter every 30 days.

Allergy Sufferer: Change your air filter regularly to maintain the cleanest indoor air possible.

You Run Your HVAC Fan: If you run your HVAC fan 24/7 to circulate air, you are filtering air constantly. Your filter will get dirty much faster than if you keep your fan on automatic, allowing it to kick on only during temperature cycles.

How to Check Your Filter

Not sure if it’s time? Turn off the furnace and remove the filter. Hold it up to the light. If no light passes through, replace the filter.

When installing a clean filter, ensure the arrow on its side points toward the furnace, following the direction of the airflow. Putting a filter in backward can damage the filter frame because it restricts airflow, causes the blower fan to work harder, and increases pressure.

Need help assessing your air filter? During a preventative maintenance visit, our technician can show you the difference between clean and clogged filters. We can also demonstrate how to install a filter correctly. Our Comfort Now experts are happy to answer any questions you may have about your HVAC unit.

 

Let Comfort Now Keep Your HVAC Efficient

Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive investments in your Galloway, home. Replacing dirty filters on schedule is one of the easiest ways to protect that investment and ensure your HVAC unit operates at peak efficiency.

Our Comfort Now experts can help you choose the appropriate filter for your HVAC unit. Don’t want to think about your air filter more than once or twice a year? Ask us about upgrading to a high-efficiency media cabinet. Call us at 609-380-1159 or request service online.