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You might not think about your HVAC filter very often, but it’s working hard every single day. That little piece of material helps trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other particles that would otherwise float around your DeKalb County home. It’s the first line of defense against indoor air pollution, making sure the air you breathe is as clean as possible.
Different Types of HVAC Filters You Might Be Using
You likely know that your HVAC system has a filter, but you might not know exactly what kind it is. Filters come in different shapes, materials, and levels of effectiveness. Some are flat and thin, made of fiberglass, and they look like something you could bend in half with little effort. These are usually the cheapest and easiest to find. They catch large particles like dust and lint, but they don’t do much for smaller things like pollen or mold spores.
Other filters look thicker, sometimes made of pleated material. These work better because they have more surface area, which means they can trap more particles without clogging as fast. You might also hear about HEPA filters. These are the heavy hitters. They’re often used in hospitals because they can catch really tiny particles, even bacteria. While HEPA filters are great at cleaning the air, not every home system is built to handle them. If you put one in your unit without checking, it could slow down the airflow and actually make your system work harder.
You might also come across washable filters. These seem handy because you can clean and reuse them, but they still need regular care. If you forget to rinse them out, they can clog up just like any other filter. Picking the right one for your home depends on your needs.
How Dirty Filters Mess With Your System
You likely know that driving your car with a clogged air filter could damage the engine, and the result to your HVAC system is the same. When the filter gets dirty, the air has a harder time moving through it. That means your system has to push harder to get cool or warm air into your rooms. You might not notice it right away, but over time, you’ll feel it: rooms that don’t cool down, weak airflow, or your system running longer than usual.
A dirty filter can also lead to other problems. The dust and debris it’s supposed to catch can end up inside your unit. That buildup can cover coils, clog fans, or mess with the motor. Once those parts start struggling, you could end up with a repair bill you weren’t expecting. In some cases, your system might shut off completely because it’s overheating.
You’ll also probably see it on your energy bill. When your HVAC system has to work harder, it uses more power. That can sneak up on you, especially during hot summers or cold winters when your system is already running a lot.
How Filters Help with Allergies and Dust
If you’ve ever noticed a layer of dust on your furniture even after cleaning, your filter might not be doing its job well. A good filter traps dust, pollen, and pet dander before they can float around your home. Without it, those tiny particles settle on your tables, shelves, and even your bed. Poor indoor air quality doesn’t just make things look dirty; it can irritate your nose and throat, especially if you have allergies.
You might notice it the most in your bedroom. That’s where you breathe the same air all night. If allergens are floating around, you could wake up with a stuffy nose or itchy eyes. During pollen season, it can get even worse. You keep the windows closed to block the pollen, but it still seems to get inside. That’s because it can hitch a ride on your clothes or pets. Once it’s in, your filter is your best defense.
Best Filter For Your Home
Standing in front of a shelf full of filters can feel overwhelming. They all look similar, but they’re not. The numbers on the packaging, called MERV ratings, tell you how good a filter is at catching particles. Lower numbers like MERV 4 catch larger particles like dust, while higher numbers like MERV 13 can trap smaller things like pollen, mold spores, and even smoke.
If you have allergies or asthma, a filter with a MERV rating (8 to 13) is often a good choice. It can catch more allergens without blocking airflow. But it’s always smart to check your system’s manual. Some systems can’t handle high-rated filters, and using the wrong one can make your system work harder.
Find the Perfect Filter Today
When your filter is clean and working as it should, your whole system runs better, and you breathe easier. It’s a simple task, but it can have a massive impact on your comfort and health. If you need help choosing the right filter as well as with scheduling an furnace or AC system tune-up or repair, give Bryant’s Heating & Cooling a call today.
