Air conditioning filters play a very important role in air conditioning systems. They are responsible for filtering out all the debris that goes through your system on a daily basis. They keep your system running smoothly, and they keep the air you breathe as clean as possible. If you want your air conditioning system to work effectively, it is essential that you change your filter every year. Before you go shopping for a new filter, make sure you know what kind of filter you have. Not all air conditioning filters are created the same. Here are the four most common types of air conditioning filters:
Fiberglass Disposable Filters
If you have a fiberglass filter in your system, you should not clean it. Fiberglass filters have an adhesive coating on them that traps debris and dust; if you attempt to clean them, this coating will most likely break apart and become compromised.
When the filter becomes full of debris, it is designed to be thrown away and replaced with a new filter. Fiberglass filters are relatively easy to find and tend to not cost very much to replace.
Pleated Fiberglass Disposable Filters
Pleated fiberglass filters work very similarly to regular fiberglass filters; the major difference is that they tend to be a little larger for bigger residential and business air conditioning units. The material on the filter also tends to be woven a little tighter as well.
These types of filters should not be cleaned either; they should just be disposed and replaced.
Electrostatic Filters
These types of filters rely on the creation of a static charge to keep the air that moves through them clean. The static charge that is created as air flows through the filter helps debris and dust stick to the filter.
You can generally clean electrostatic filters a few times before you replace them. The best way to clean them is to blow the material that is clinging to the filter off it before putting the filter back in place.
Carbon Filters
Carbon filters are a specialized style of filter that are used specifically in homes and businesses where odor is a problem. The carbon filter essentially acts like a giant air filter that removes offensive odors from the air before circulating the air into your home.
Like electrostatic filters, these types of filters can be cleaned and blown off a few times before they need to be replaced.
Before you head to the store to purchase a new filter for your air conditioning unit, make sure you consult your owner's manual so that you know exactly what type of filter you need to buy. Air conditioning filters are not interchangeable; they are designed for specific units and purposes, which is why it is so important to know what you need before you go shopping. Contact a local AC contractor, like Economy Air Systems Inc, for more information.
Share22 September 2015
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