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Flower Mound Air Conditioning Repair
Air Conditioning System Filters
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about air conditioning system filters.
Particle Size in Microns ( 0.001 millimeters)
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) assigns a MERV number intended to help people compare filters. The MERV efficiency rating is the air conditioner furnace filters ability to capture specific micron sized particles. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration.
Particles in the air are measured in microns, which is 1/1000 of a millimeter. A human hair is about 100 microns wide. Our air conditioner furnace filters capture particles as small as 0.3 microns!
A MERV 12 rating requires 80% or better efficiency on 1 - 3 micron particles and greater than 90% efficiency on 3 -10 micron particles, when tested in accordance with ASHRAE Test Standard 52.2. Our air conditioner furnace filters measured 97.8% on 3-10 micron particles, 84.1% on 1-3 micron particles, and 60% of the smaller particles, which accounts for the majority of airborne contaminants. MERV 12 doesn't even measure those.
Our air conditioner furnace filters do not allow the growth of mold or bacteria, keeping your home healthier. No harsh chemicals are necessary to make the air conditioner furnace filter "antibacterial". Our air conditioner furnace filters use permanently charged electrostatic material that helps dust cling to the air conditioner furnace filter.
Air conditioner furnace filters in most homes are generally located
behind an air intake grate in your home’s walls, ceiling, basement
or attic. These generally look like large vents, but the air flows
into them, rather than out of them when the heating or cooling
system is blowing air. They may also be located in or near the air
conditioner or furnace. Many homes may have more than one, and they
may be different sizes. Check your manual and warranty information
if you cannot find them.
Your air conditioner furnace filters size is width x length x
thickness in inches. For example, a pleated 20x25x1 filter is 20
inches wide, 25 inches long and 1 inch thick. Most residential air
conditioner furnace filters are 1” thick. The actual
measurements of each air conditioner furnace filters are usually
about half an inch less than the listed size. The actual size of our
20x25x1” air conditioner furnace filter is 19 ½ x 24 ½ x ¾”.
This is normal. Most air conditioner furnace filters have the size
printed on them, so you just have to find your existing air
conditioner furnace filters. Sometimes homes have 2 or 3 different
sizes of air conditioner furnace filters in various locations in
your home.
Generally once a month (minimally) for a 1" pleated MERV 12 filter.
Every other month for a 2' pleated MERV 12 filter and once every 3
months for a 4" MERV 12 pleated filter. Sometimes you may want to
change them more often. For the most efficient indoor air quality,
we recommend that you change your air conditioner furnace filters
monthly. "The most important maintenance task that will
ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely
replace your air filters[...] air conditioner furnace filters may
need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant
use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets
in the house." - United States Department of Energy
| RECOMMENDED FILTER CHANGE INTERVALS | |||
| 1 Month | 2 Months | 3 Months | |
| Furry Pets | Multiple | One | None |
| Dust | Heavy | Moderate | Light |
| Heat/AC Fan | Mostly On | Moderately On | Mostly Off |
| Smokers | Multiple | One | None |
| Windows/Doors | Often Open | Sometimes Open | Usually Closed |
| 1" MERV 12 | * | ||
| 2" MERV 12 | * | ||
| 4" MERV 12 | * | ||
Look for the arrow showing airflow direction on the old air
conditioner furnace filter and remember which way that it points.
Make sure that you shut your unit off to stop the airflow. Remove
the old air conditioner furnace filter and discard it carefully so
you don’t put the dust and contaminants it holds back in the air
that you breathe! Write the date you install the air conditioner
furnace filters on the place indicated on the side. It is a good
idea to check it from time to time and change it early if it seems
clogged with dust. Remember everything that you see was taken out of
your air. Aren’t you glad you did not have to breathe it in!
Look for the arrow showing airflow direction, and install the new
pleated air filter so the air flows in the direction of the arrows.
Many air conditioner furnace filters are located at air return
vents, where the air flows into the wall or ceiling. Note: On
some custom size air conditioner furnace filters, the arrow may not
be visible. If so, the air flows from the side without the metal
mesh to the side with the metal mesh.
The material of the air conditioner furnace filters are made out of
does not allow the growth of bacteria or mold, so it is not
necessary to add any potentially irritating chemicals to kill germs.
Odors are not directly eliminated, but odors due to particles caused
by tobacco or fireplace smoke can be reduced as the particles of
smoke are removed from the air by a Merv 12 air conditioner furnace
filter, because of its higher efficiency rating.
Our Filters Help Protect You And Your Family From Harmful Indoor
Pollutants
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Better filtration it is important to improving indoor air quality that can lead to better health. Dust, pollen, mold spores, animal dander, lint, bacteria, and dust mite feces are some of the pollutants we inhale. |
| These particles can result in sinus congestion, sore throats, asthma, allergies and many other symptoms. |
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We sell our filters in one year quantities. For 1" filters,
that is a total of 12 filters - for 2" filters, a total of 6 filters
and for 4" filters a total of 4 filters. If you need more,
just let us know at the time of your order.
If we have the filters in stock, we will deliver them to your door
within the week. If we have to order your filters, it takes
generally up to two weeks or less, depending on the time of year.
Once we receive your filters, we have one of our technicians to your
door the very next day with your filters. There is no extra
charge for us to deliver your filters to your door. Our
friendly technicians will even install your filters for you when he
drops them off if you would like.
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, check, and money order
and cash! Payment is expected at the time of delivery. You can
the call the office and pay ahead or at the time of receipt. It's up to
you!
Apartments/condos have air conditioner furnace filters in each unit
that can be replaced by you. Most all maintenance will supply a
generic air conditioner furnace filter that will not give you the
quality of air you want. 60% of the air you breathe is what gives
you energy. Upgrading to an anti-allergenic air conditioner furnace
filters will help you “breathe pure”.
No problem. Some dust particles are so large and heavy, even with a
clean home, air particles are invading your living environment,
without you knowing. With its electrically charged material, our
Merv12 air conditioner furnace filters remove up to 99% of pollen,
pet dander, dust, mold spores, dust mites and smoke particles,
therefore helping to reduce the amount of dusting, and living a
healthier life.
Many washable or reusable air conditioner furnace filters are not
recommended because they have to be cleaned and maintained 2-3 times
more often. If they are not completely dried when you are
re-installing them, the moisture will produce molds and bacteria
that will compound your problems.
Our air conditioner furnace filters have a low air flow resistance
for residential and commercial heating and cooling systems. Air flow
is generally measured as a difference in air pressure on each side
of the filter, measured by an instrument that uses water in a
measured column to show air pressure. The higher the pressure
difference, the more the water in the instrument moves. Its movement
is measured in inches. The more inches of water moved, the more the
pressure difference. This is called resistance.
The more efficient a filter is, the more it tends to resist air
flow. However, our Merv 12 air conditioner furnace filters provide
only a few fractions of an inch more resistance than ordinary air
conditioner furnace filters that are much less efficient at removing
particles from the air. Our Merv 12 - 1" air conditioner furnace
filters have a low resistance of only 0.26" at 300 feet per minute
of airflow, which works fine with virtually all systems.
Fiberglass air conditioner furnace filters are designed only to capture large particles and to protect your heating and air conditioning system; they do nothing to remove smaller particles like many allergens. These types of air conditioner furnace filters also have no Merv rating. Our filters not only protect your system from dust, they remove up to 99% of pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, and smoke particles. Since the average person spends 2-3 times more time indoors than outdoors, it is the healthier choice.
Due to some air restrictions and your system performance, it is not
advisable to use more than one filter per return.
Yes, our air conditioner furnace filters, are manufactured with a
permanently charged electrostatic material that makes dust cling to
the air conditioner furnace filter using the same principle as
static electricity. This makes our furnace filter/ air conditioner
filter more effective and efficient. We do not recommend the
permanent metal electrostatic filters; therefore we do not carry
them.
Our MERV 12 Filters will work in your business - as well as any rental properties you may have. We would be happy to deliver these for you
Humidifiers are commonly used in homes to relieve the physical discomforts of dry nose, throat, lips, and skin. The moisture they add to dry air also helps alleviate common nuisances brought on by winter heating, such as static electricity, peeling wallpaper, and cracks in paint and furniture. However, excess moisture can encourage the growth of biological organisms in the home. These organisms include dust mites, which are microscopic animals that produce materials causing allergic reactions to household dust, and molds. Recent studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have shown that ultrasonic and impeller (or "cool mist") humidifiers can disperse materials, such as microorganisms and minerals, from their water tanks into indoor air. At present, only limited information is available on the growth of microorganisms and the dispersal of microorganisms and minerals by home humidifiers. Proper care and cleaning of ultrasonic and impeller humidifiers are important for reducing potential exposures to microorganisms, such as bacteria and molds. Microorganisms often grow in humidifiers which are equipped with tanks containing standing water. Breathing mist containing these pollutants has been implicated as causing a certain type of inflammation of the lungs. The Federal government has not concluded that the dispersal of minerals by home humidifiers poses a serious health risk. Nevertheless, using water with lower mineral content will reduce exposures to these materials. The young, the elderly, and those people with lung diseases or respiratory allergies may be particularly susceptible to certain types of airborne pollutants. However, if you follow the recommendations for the use and care of home humidifiers provided in this fact sheet, the potential for dispersal of microorganisms and minerals from your humidifier should be reduced.
A dehumidifier is a household appliance that reduces the level of humidity in a room. They usually work by drawing moist air over a refrigerated metal coil with a fan. Since the saturated vapor pressure of water decreases with decreasing temperature (i.e. cold air can hold less water vapor), the water in the air condenses, and drips into a collecting bucket. The air is then reheated by the warmer side of the refrigeration coil. Most dehumidifiers can be adapted to connect the drip output directly to a drain. Manufacturers may price dehumidifiers differently solely on the size of the collection bucket. There are usually sensors to detect when the collection bucket is full. Air conditioners automatically act as dehumidifiers when they chill the air and thus need to handle the accumulated water as well. Window units simply allow the water to drip outside. Central air conditioning units need to be connected to a drain.
Does having proper humidity levels affect my health?
A common summer complaint is: It's not the heat, it's the humidity. Too much moisture in the hot summer air can literally turn the area you live in into a steam bath. The following are just a part of the health problems that can be caused by excess humidity: • Respiratory problems • Insomnia and • Fungal skin infections Another problem associated with high humidity is affects on allergies and asthma. • Mold patches can also pose a serious threat to your health, especially if you do suffer from allergies or asthma. • Mold spores become dormant or die when the relative humidity is low. • Dust mites (another common cause for allergies and asthma) also die when the humidity stays below 50%. How to choose a dehumidifier? There are two general rules for this: • Know your area - Larger spaces need dehumidifiers with a larger capacity. • Know your humidity level - The more humid is your air, the more powerful dehumidifier you need. You can use the chart below as a quick reference. First, find the area you need to dehumidify in the top row. Next, find the relative humidity of the area in the leftmost column. The approximate dehumidifier capacity that you need would be in the cell on the intersection of the row and the column where your data is in. ROOM SIZE Small (up to 8' x 10') Medium (up to 15' x 15') Large (up to 20' x 20') Extra Large (up to 20' x 30') H U M I D I T Y Low (40% to 55%) 30 pint* 40 pint 50 pint 65 pint Medium (55% to 65%) 30 pint 40 pint 50 pint 65 pint High (65% to 80%) 40 pint 50 pint 65 pint 65 pint Very High (80% to 95%) 50 pint 65 pint 65 pint 65 pint *A non-electric dehumidifier can be used if the room size is especially small. Also, if you are planning to use your dehumidifier in a basement, consider a pump model over a non-pump one. While a pump model may be more expensive, it is capable of emptying its tank by itself, saving you the trouble of running up and down the stairs carrying heavy tanks full of water and assures you the piece of mind while you're away from home. Please note that the above table does not take into account many other factors, like room temperature or desired humidity level. Therefore, it is only a rough estimate and should not be used as a sole guide to selecting your dehumidifier.
According to the American Lung Association, in 1999, 85% of
Americans did not realize the air in their homes might be a health
hazard. However, more people are becoming increasingly aware of the
importance of the quality of air that we breathe indoors. We take
for granted the cleanliness of our indoor air. The average person
spends 90% of their time indoors, may it be at a store, bank,
school, ect. therefore making it vital to our health that we are
informed on improving our indoor air quality.
Asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems are affecting
millions of people, and are on the rise. It is no wonder that
researchers are studying the effects of indoor air quality on these
ailments. In a 1996 survey, it showed that in 58% of homes at least
one humidity-related or respiratory problem was present in the form
of allergies, asthma, persistent coughs, and/ or nasal congestion.
In 36% of the homes, at least one household member suffered from at
least one respiratory ailment.
The increased awareness for a better indoor air quality has prompted
changes in building codes, and development of products to maximize a
healthier indoor air quality. Removing and/or containing the harmful
particles and odors protect the home and provide a higher quality
air for the entire family. Taking control of the quality of health
environment in which you live and work in is the first step in
improving your life. Finally, you can “breathe pure”, it is
definitely worth every breath.