Can Some Types of HVAC Filters Damage Your System?

The air filter prevents particles like dust from ruining the interior components of your heating and cooling system — but only if you put in the right one. The wrong filter will damage the very system it's supposed to protect. Astonishing, isn't it? If you don't want to have an air filter damage your HVAC system, you'll need to avoid these two types of filters:

Wrong High-Efficiency Filter

MERV, or the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, expresses how well a filter traps small airborne particles. A higher MERV number represents greater effectiveness at catching small particles.

To improve indoor air quality, some homeowners buy the most powerful HVAC filter they can get. Getting a good filter isn't about buying the highest-efficiency model you can afford. A filter with a higher MERV rating has a tighter weave on it than one with a lower rating. Consequently, the higher-efficiency filter places more resistance against airflow.

Your HVAC system may not have the capacity to accommodate filters with a MERV rating above 12, which could put you at risk for filter damage. The airflow blockage by a high-efficiency filter increases the air pressure in your HVAC system. That could damage your ductwork and even your furnace or air conditioner.

Take care to not replace your filter with a high-efficiency model that your HVAC system can't handle. If you really want clean air, you could install an air cleaner in your ducts. Air cleaners capture small airborne particles without restricting airflow.

Dirty Filter

An air filter will accumulate excessive dirt if you leave it in the return duct for very long. A clogged filter slows down airflow through your HVAC system. With a clogged filter, the system works harder to keep your house warm or cool, which could accelerate wear and tear and increase the need for HVAC repairs.

Check your air filter every month and replace it if it looks dirty.

Always ensure you have an air filter that does its filtration job without causing filter damage that harms your HVAC system. If you need more information on avoiding air filter damage, contact us at Air Assurance. We offer a variety of heating, cooling, and air-quality products to homeowners in the Broken Arrow area.

Insulation R-Value: Important for Helping You Keep Your Cool

Summer is coming, and if you live in northeastern Oklahoma, you'll probably greet warmer temperatures and sunnier skies with open arms. However, when the weather changes, utility bills often get higher. Unrelenting sunshine and hot weather overtax your air conditioner, while new blooms produce pollen that can invade the home and aggravate allergies. One of the most effective and long-lasting ways to lower the cost of cooling and reduce the strain on your HVAC system and appliances is to improve the amount and quality of insulation that protects your home from the outside world. 

How do you know if your home is insulated properly? All modern insulation is graded according to how well the materials can resist heat. An insulation R-value is its resistance value, and it indicates thermal resistance to the flow of heat. In the wintertime, that heat flow needs to stop at the perimeter of your home, in order to avoid wasting money on heat that escapes outside. During the summer months, heat resistance is crucial because it determines how much energy it takes to beat the heat trying to get inside.

The most energy-efficient insulation may be able to reduce bills by as much as 30 percent each month. However, when it comes to insulation R-value, one size doesn't fit all. Insulation calculators and  estimates will help you determine the appropriate R-value for your home's specific altitude, proximity to bodies of water and local climate. Insulation efficiency also depends on how and where it's installed; multiple layers can increase the resistance value, while tightly compressed insulation loses some of its strength.

Regular maintenance, such as thorough, seasonal duct sealing and regular air filter replacement, is also essential to maintain good air quality and prevent energy loss. For more information and advice about keeping your home comfortable and efficient all year, contact us at Air Assurance in Broken Arrow. We have more than three decades of experience in Broken Arrow and the greater Tulsa area, and we can help maximize the quality of your air and make sure you're not wasting money or energy.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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