When Should I Upgrade My Filter?

You may not know it, but the filter for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a vital role in your comfort and health.

A quality filter traps particles that otherwise would circulate throughout your home and compromise your indoor air quality (IAQ). A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace and air conditioner to work that much harder to keep your home comfortable.

Whether you want to lower your energy bills or upgrade your heating and cooling equipment, our team at the Carrier Cooling Center can help. Browse our directory to find an Authorized Carrier Dealer nearest to your home in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas.

Why Should I Upgrade My Filter?

By itself, a filter will not protect your family from a virus-related illness. But it can make a significant difference. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes a quality filter paired with an air purifier goes a long way toward creating a healthy home.

If you live in a wildfire zone, your HVAC filter will help clean the air you are breathing. 

Even if your home is a safe distance from an actual fire, the ashes and smoke can spread for miles and still pose a health risk to your and your family.

Anyone in your home suffering from allergies or another respiratory issue will benefit from a quality air filter. Protect your household today!

What Does MERV Mean?

Look at your filter to find the minimum efficiency rating value (MERV). The ratings range from 1 to 16 to give customers an idea of how effective the filter is at trapping pollutants. A higher number indicates your filter can capture smaller particles, making it the most effective.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends using MERV 13 filter provided it does not restrict airflow in your HVAC system. If your system cannot produce the air pressure needed to force air through the filter, little to no air would come out of your vents.

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters have a MERV nearing 16, for example, but most residential furnaces and air conditioners cannot produce the necessary airflow to accommodate them.

Will Any Filter Work With My HVAC System?

No. Always replace filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendation to ensure they perform as specified. If the filter has a MERV rating higher than your system can handle, it will restrict airflow and cause your equipment to struggle and eventually wear down.

And remember, your filter only works when your system is running! If no air supply runs through the filter, the filter cannot trap particles.

Your Carrier dealer can help you choose the highest MERV filter compatible with your equipment.

Know Thy Filter!

A clogged filter does you no favors. As a rule of thumb, you should replace your filter at least every three months. Do you have pets or someone who smokes in your house? In that case, you probably want to replace the filter more frequently.

If you have a reusable filter, you will want to clean it every month for the best results. Keep in mind a particle filter does not remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs). An air purifier is needed to eliminate unpleasant odors in your home.

Receive a Complimentary Gift for Choosing Carrier

Book your appointment today at our Carrier Cooling Center and receive an EZ Flex whole-home air filtration system or one of our other complimentary gifts. Find a Factory Authorized Carrier Dealer near your home in Arizona, California, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas.