Cooling your house in the summer is a big job for your air conditioner and you don’t want to make it work harder than it already does. Your air filters can play a big role in the efficiency of your unit, that is why our technicians here at Affordable Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric want to provide you with the knowledge to make those informed decisions.

Fiberglass Air Filters: These are often the most affordable and used air filters. They cause the least amount of strain on your air conditioner because air can move easily through the fibers. This filter helps to remove large dust and allergens that would otherwise enter your home. When using this filter, it is best to change it out every two to three months, especially since we live in a dry and dusty climate.

Pleated Air Filters: These air filters are made with polyester and cotton folds and can be more efficient in removing those irritant pollutants and dust particles. The pleated air filter, like the fiberglass air filter, does not put too much strain on your unit. This filter should also be changed out every two to three months.

Electrostatic Washable Air Filters: Washable air filters work using electrostatic charge which traps dust and other air borne particles. The difference in this filter is the electrostatic layers of polypropylene. These filters are designed to be easily installed, removed, washed, and then reinstalled. You can remove and clean this filter anytime, whether you want to do that once a week or once a month but should be cleaned at least every two months.

HEPA Air Filters: High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters are recommended for those prone to respiratory problems and asthmatics. HEPA filters manage to isolate up to 99.97% of airborne particulates, which is why this is one of the highest rated filters. You should contact Affordable Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric to make sure that your air conditioning unit is made to handle a HEPA filter, if not the efficiency of you’re a/c plummets the harder it has to work to push air through the filter.

Before you decide to change out your air filter to anything more than the fiberglass or pleated, we recommend you give us a call (link). Our skilled and certified technicians can come by and check your a/c unit and verify the manufacturers recommended filter type. Affordable Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric want to make sure you and your family stay cool this summer.