Air filter is one of the critical elements of HVAC systems; when the sieve is clogged, air conditioners and heating systems cannot function properly and turn into hotbeds of dust and germs. If you forget to change the filters on time, Best Hesting Cooling & Air will take on this task: the air filter replacement cost is available to a wide range of customers and will not burden the family budget.
What does an air filter do?
The main task of an air filter is to protect the fan motor from clogging by trapping fine particles, which are drawn into the electric motor with air flow. Penetration of debris into the engine chamber interferes with the operation of the fan, provokes malfunctions and increases operating costs.
It is not always possible to repair the fan motor, and replacing the motor is much more expensive than the cost to replace the air filter. Rehabilitation of the microclimate is a pleasant addition to the main task: dust, soot, plant pollen, mold spores, dead skin particles, animal hair and other pollutants that provoke allergies and respiratory diseases, are removed.
How much is an air filter?
The cost of air filters depends on the MERV value – an indicator of filtration efficiency: the cheapest disposable devices (MERV 1-2) cost up to 10-20 $. The price of the filter of the average hand (MERV 3-4) – to 50 $; tariffs for expensive filters (MERV 5-6) increase to 100-200 $.
If you live near industrial facilities, busy roads and flowering plants, family members with allergies, one of owners smokes or there are more than two animals in a house, premium filters are required (MERV 8-11). The maximum MERV values for HVAC household filters are 12–13; the cost of such a device reaches 400-600 $.
The average cost of air purifier repairing
The filter replacement fee is from 40 to 200 $, depending on the size, brand and quality of the device: replacing a massive air filter or a device with a MERV value of 10 is more expensive than a small or cheap model. The average cost of air filter replacement is about 120 $; if you use an advanced multi-component filter, individual components may need to be repaired:
- mounting bolts and odor absorbers – up to 20 $;
- remote control and fine sieve – up to 50 $;
- fees – from 2 to 10 $, depending on the standard size;
- sealing rings – 10-15 $ for 100 gaskets;
- electric filter motor – 550$.
What air filter size is suitable for replacement?
The size of the filter depends on the parameters of the system and is usually specified in the data sheet and instructions; if there is no time to look for technical documentation, you should choose a model similar to the previous one. The standard size, brand and MERV value are specified on the case of the device; by taking the filter out of the socket, you will understand which device to look for. If the screen is too small, the air is poorly cleaned and the operating system makes creaking noises; if the filter is too large, the corners of the housing will be bent when removing the device from the socket.
How often should you replace the HVAC air filter
The service life of the filter depends on the filtration quality: budget models (MERV 1-2) have to be changed more often – once every 1-3 months. Medium arm screens (MERV 3-4) are designed for 6-9 months of operation; more expensive corrugated filters (MERV 5-6) last longer – about 9-12 months. The filter will last longer if you give up smoking indoors and install a hood in the kitchen and other places with a high concentration of contaminants, such as in a workshop or boiler room.
What happens if I miss filter replacement?
Timely replacement of air filters is one of the simplest manipulations for the maintenance of HVAC units, which can prevent many major faults. The procedure does not take much time, so do not delay it; the less often the clogged cassettes are changed, the more undesirable consequences:
- overheating of working elements: dust accumulations increase friction and interfere with movement of air masses;
- noise and extraneous sounds during system operation caused by obstructed air movement;
- increased risk of fire: increased heat production contributes to the appearance of sparks;
- spontaneous shutdowns due to emergency protection due to constant overheating;
- rising electricity bills: excess garbage forces the system to operate at a higher load and consume more energy;
- microclimate deterioration: the clogged filter does not catch pollutants, the air in the room becomes dusty and musty.
Does an AC filter have an expiration date?
The instructions usually indicate the average service life of the filters in optimal operating conditions – for homes located in an environmentally friendly area, and small families without children and pets. In winter, when the heating is on, and in spring, during the period of mass flowering of plants, the cassettes become clogged faster, so it will not hurt to check the condition of the filters at least once a month, regardless of the nominal service life.
How long does a furnace filter last?
The frequency of replacement of furnace filters depends on the size: the smaller the diameter of the sieve, the more often you have to change the cartridge: small models of 1 and 2 inches will last from 1 to 3 months, medium (3 and 4 inches) – from 6 to 9 months. Massive filters (of 5 and 6 inches) are enough to change once a year, provided that the sieves are cleaned every 2-4 weeks; generally, the filters are changed as part of the scheduled maintenance of the furnace before the start of the heating season. If the condition of the microclimate is a concern, you should order air testing at home to find out if you need to change the filter early.
What are the most common air filter sizes?
The size of the HVAC filter is described by three measurements in inches: the first one indicates the length, the second one – the width, and the third one – the depth. Most home models have a screen length of 10 to 20 inches and a width of 20 or 25 inches; the depth of the sieve rarely exceeds 1 inch.
DIY against professional installation
It is not difficult to change an inexpensive household filter with low MERV; most homeowners are successful on their own, but expensive models should not be disposed of prematurely. In case of failure of the electric, electronic or multicomponent air filter (MERV from 8) it is cheaper to repair the device, than to buy a new filter, and you will need professional help here.
Best home air filters
The manufacturer’s reputation significantly affects the cost of air filter replacement: the older and more respectable the brand, the higher the price. Trane, Dyson, Lennox, Honeywell, American Air Filter, Carrier&Bryant, PURO2XYGEN, Aprilaire, Levoit, M Filterete, as well as many not so well-known but no less reliable local suppliers selling a wide range of air filters at affordable prices, have proved themselves well. For questions concerning the selection and replacement of filters for HVAC, please contact BHC&Air consultants at any time of the day: we would appreciate communicating and helping you!
