On average, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, breathing indoor air. But did you know that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside?
The good news is that there is an ally helping to clean that indoor air - the trusty HVAC filter by Trane®. If kept fresh, it can make all the difference in your home's air quality.
An HVAC filter fits inside the ductwork and catches tiny impurities, like dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some viruses. The filter is easily removable and usually looks like pleated paper. Swapping it out every 30-90 days is a simple, low-cost, 30-second job that can improve air quality, reduce energy consumption by 5-15% and enhance your HVAC system's performance. Filters can vary widely in price, anywhere from $5-$40 depending on your HVAC equipment, with the most common varieties selling for about $15 each at most hardware or home improvement stores or online.
Types of Air Filters
The most common HVAC air filters use an accordion-style construction, allowing them to catch more microscopic particles. They're rated by the particulate size they can trap, using a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) scale that runs from 1 to 20 - the higher the rating, the smaller the contaminants captured by the filter. Common household filters balance air flow and filter well with MERV ratings of 8-10, while higher-rated filters (MERV 11-13) are better suited for households with pets and individuals with allergies. The old-style, flat, one-inch fiberglass filters, which capture less than 10% of particles passing through, are more affordable but less effective. That said, new technology has vastly improved air filters. In fact, the Trane CleanEffects™ Whole Home Air Cleaner helps improve indoor air quality. This innovative system employs groundbreaking technology to help remove up to 99.98% of airborne particles, including dust mites, pollen, and allergens.
Benefits of Replacing Your Air Filter Regularly
HVAC Efficiency -- As air passes through the filter and particles are captured, the filter accumulates the detritus you don't want your family breathing in. Over time, the air has trouble passing through the filter, causing your HVAC system to work harder to circulate air and decreasing its efficiency and lifespan. The reports that replacing a dirty filter can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Improved Indoor Air Quality - As the HVAC system works harder to force air through a clogged filter, it can take some of the captured particulates into the air you breathe. The more buildup on a filter, the less effective it is, which defeats its purpose. Replacing the filter every 30-90 days will also help ensure continued effectiveness.
HVAC System Maintenance - Regular filter replacement reduces the risk of mechanical issues for your HVAC system. By preventing dirt and debris from passing through the filter, less of it builds up in your system, preventing problems like overheating blower motors, iced-up evaporator coils, short-cycling units, and dust buildup in your ductwork. Any of those issues can potentially result in system downtime and costly repairs.
Take the Guesswork Out of Filter Changes
Wouldn't it be great if your HVAC company made it easy to replace the filter and enjoy all the comfort and monetary benefits that come along with an efficiently run system? Trane does just that! Get Trane Filters powered by FilterTime™ delivered right to your door with free shipping so you never miss a maintenance refresh.
For more information on HVAC filters, visit Trane's website at https://www.trane.com/residential/en/products/indoor-air-quality/filters/.