No, not all air conditioner filters are the same. HVAC air filters vary in quality, dimensions, and features. It is recommended to use the filter that your HVAC manufacturer recommends for your system. All filters are assigned a MERV rating, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, ranging from 1 to 20.
Yes, central air conditioners have a filter. In fact, most central air conditioning units have two or more filters. These filters clean the air and ensure good air quality as the unit circulates between indoor and outdoor air. The most common type of filter on the market is the fiberglass filter, which has a MERV rating of between 1 and 4.These numbers are quite low and are best used when only looking to capture large particles of dust and dirt.
While this type of filter can help protect your HVAC system from getting too dirty, they are not very effective at capturing tiny particles that can trigger allergy or asthma symptoms. For best results, change the filter every 45 to 90 days, unless you have allergies, pets, or other factors that increase this number. These filters will protect your HVAC unit from dust and dirt that could damage it, while allowing air to flow freely. We carry filters and humidifier pads for all major manufacturers (including Air King, American Standard, Aprilaire, GeneralAire and Honeywell).
Filters use static electricity to charge airborne particles that are then attracted to the metal inside the filter. There are many different types of air filters available and choosing the right one can make a real difference to the lifespan of your HVAC system. It can also negatively affect indoor air quality (IAQ) if you don't routinely change or clean your air filter. Regularly replacing your air filter is the best thing you can do to keep your HVAC system running.
However, if you have pleated air filters, you won't need to change them for at least three months, and sometimes up to six months if they're of high quality. Air filters are marked by their ability to capture dirt, dust and contaminants and use a numbered system called the Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV). Whether you call it an oven filter or an air conditioner filter, it's important to get in the habit of replacing or cleaning it if it's a reusable version. Also known as whole-house air filters, you want your oven filter to be clean so that it can provide you and your family with the freshest possible air without problems during the winter months.