Air conditioning units are designed to work as installed. Adding additional products, though advertised as beneficial, could cause problems for your system. Here are a few things to know about preventing a breakdown of your AC unit when it comes to dressing up your system.
HEPA Air Filters
One way that homeowners try to improve their AC units are with special air filters. HEPA filters are generally used for hospital air conditioning, and many people assume that a HEPA filter would work wonders for their residential air conditioning unit, combatting dust and dander from pets. The opposite happens – the HEPA air filter restricts the airflow and the unit work has to work twice as hard to move through the HEPA filter. Using a HEPA filter leads to more HVAC repairs over time on your unit and leads to continued breakdowns.
Residential air filters are efficient with gathering up dust and pet dander that is common in most homes. If you rely on a HEPA filter to aid your regular filter, the dust and pet dander that is collected becomes trapped and clogged. This requires you to replace your air filter more often and pumps the dust and pet dander back into your home. Dirty or clogged air filters not only decrease your unit efficiency but also impair your indoor air quality.
Instead of a HEPA air filter, choose a high efficiency air filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 12 for residential use. These filters provide effective contaminant control without hindering the performance of your air conditioning system.
Don’t get caught with an AC unit breakdown caused by unnecessary air filters! Estes Services offers the solutions you need to improve efficiency, boost air quality, and save money. Call us today and schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC professionals!
