HVAC

The HVAC filters in your home’s heating and cooling system perform an essential function. They remove allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander from the air you and your family breathe. These particles are captured by the filter to prevent their recirculation throughout the residence.

An HVAC filter’s efficiency at capturing particles in the air is measured by something called a MERV rating. The higher the rating, the better it is at trapping smaller particles.

4 Types Of HVAC Filters

An air filter plays a crucial role in protecting your system from larger particles that could cause damage. People suffering from hay fever should protect themselves from pollen and mold spores, and those who work in urban environments should do the same. Filters can be an efficient method for achieving this objective.

Always use the appropriate type of filter and have a professional technician from a reputable HVAC company like Smith Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling. The following are the various HVAC filters for residential HVAC systems:

Fiberglass Filters

Disposable fiberglass filters are the most affordable type of filter. When sucking in air, they place less strain on HVAC systems and keep big particles out of your system. Additionally, these filters tend to encourage better airflow, which reduces the load on weaker systems.

However, they are not very effective at catching dust and other smaller contaminants. If you or your family members suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, this type of filter may be insufficient to alleviate or prevent these conditions. Fiberglass filters generally have a MERV 4 rating.

Pleated Filters

Cotton or polyester folds are used to construct pleated filters. They are pricier than fiberglass filters but more effective at filtering dust and other tiny particles, such as mold spores, pollen, and pet dander. Those with more pleats provide superior filtration and help avoid the recirculation of dust and other airborne particles. Typical MERV ratings for these filters range between 5 and 8.

HVAC HEPA Filters

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are advised if you or your family suffer from allergies or other respiratory issues. They are more expensive than fiberglass and pleated filters, but HVAC HEPA filters are the most effective in removing up to 99.97 percent of pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, viruses, germs, and other airborne irritants.

A HEPA filter can capture particles as thin as 0.3 microns (for reference, a human hair between 17 and 180 microns in width.) This means that HEPA filters are capable of removing 99.97 percent of airborne particles, as mentioned above, when used in a filtering system.

Look for filters with a MERV 11 or higher rating. Please note, however, that the greater the MERV level, the more difficult it is for your HVAC system to draw in air. Make the necessary checks first before switching to a higher efficacy filter.

UV Filters

UV filters are filters that may be incorporated into your HVAC system’s air purifiers. These filters eliminate viruses, bacteria, and other microbes in the air that flows through them using ultraviolet radiation. As a result, they are not as effective at removing dust and other impurities, but they are ideal if you have indoor air quality concerns that an air cleaner may address.

How Often Should HVAC Filters Be Changed

A system with a congested filter may experience a pressure drop, which may result in decreased airflow or “blow-out,” resulting in no air infiltration. Any of these factors can make the system work harder to sustain the desired temperature inside the home (depending on the season and the setting).

The majority of air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies advise replacing filters every 90 days or three months. This can vary based on the location of your home (e.g., dusty, dry areas), the number of pets, and the age of your system and equipment.

Consider replacing your filter every 60 days or two months if you have pets in your home and every 20-45 days if you have many pets or people in your home with allergies or respiratory problems. Vacation houses and unoccupied homes can often go 9-12 months between filter replacements.

The prevailing advice is that the more you use your home, the more frequently you must replace HVAC filters. If you are in need of immediate replacement, Smith heating and air conditioning services got your back!

H2: Smith Plumbing, Colorado Springs, Got Your Back

The variety of filters above offers homeowners and business owners options regarding efficiency, health benefits, expenses, and maintenance. Picking the right HVAC filter and maintaining them will not only be cost-effective but will also help you and your family breathe clean air.

If you’re currently searching for “Smith Plumbing near me,” you can call 719-392-4269 or visit Smith Pink Trucks for advice on which type of filter will best suit your home’s needs and requirements.

If you love this topic, check out our previous Smith Plumbing and Heating blog about signs you need air conditioner replacement.

Colorado Springs is on the verge of summer, so now is the time to ensure that you and your family are prepared for outdoor fun. In anticipation of warmer weather, many people do not realize how crucial it is to ensure that your home is adequately chilled for when the temperatures rise. Unfortunately, air conditioning maintenance is frequently neglected. There is a considerable probability that you would benefit from an air conditioner replacement

Replacement Air Conditioner 101 | 5 Common Signs

Searching for “Smith plumbing near me”? This summer, the Smith Plumbing and Heating, Colorado Springs team aims to give you the comfort you need. Not sure if you need a new heating and cooling system before the warm weather arrives? Here are 5 common signs to be aware of:

1. Insufficient Cool Air & Airflow

This is likely the most obvious indication that your AC is malfunctioning. If the unit does not produce cold air after a few minutes of being turned on, it is likely not operating properly. The problem could also be caused by clogs in your piping/ductwork, which block airflow and do not remove themselves. Regardless of the underlying cause, a lack of airflow indicates an issue that a replacement AC is needed.

2. Visible Moisture Buildup

All air conditioning units will produce some moisture, but properly operating systems should be able to handle it without difficulty. If there is dampness or leaking around the AC unit, you may have a refrigerant leak on your hands. Not only will this cause the system to malfunction, but it also poses a grave threat to your family’s health. Even if only water is accumulating, allowing the problem to persist might create an unpleasant environment for mold growth.

3. Loud & Strange Noises

Have you noticed that your AC is noisier than it once was? The existence of unusual noises such as grinding, squeaking, or chattering is never ordinary and should not be interpreted as a typical indicator of aging. Most air conditioning units are designed to function at a barely audible volume, so if your system is attracting attention to itself, it’s time for air conditioner replacement.

4. Intolerable Foul Smells

Just as unusual sounds often indicate a problem with the heating and cooling system, so do unusual odors. Your AC should emit clean, odorless air, but this is not always the case when difficulties exist. A smoky or burning odor can signify major issues requiring immediate attention or a replacement AC.

5. High Energy Bills

If your energy costs have just skyrocketed, it may be because your system is working too hard to accomplish its job. Even if your home is not adequately cooled, your AC unit may be significantly increasing your monthly energy costs. You can minimize your bills for years to come by investing in new equipment for air conditioner replacement.

Smith Plumbing And Heating, Colorado Springs, At Your Service

If your AC is at least ten years old, you should be grateful that it has survived this long and start looking for your replacement air conditioner. In general, ACs do not survive longer than a decade. These indicators are helpful reminders of how to promptly identify a problem and, in many circumstances, prevent getting a replacement AC.

During the summer, keeping your home at a reasonable temperature requires a variety of well-functioning systems. If you observe any of the following 5 signs, contact Smith heating and air conditioning service, immediately. If something goes wrong, attempting to perform the repairs on your own may incur additional costs. Also, read Smith Pink Trucks blog about 5 tips to reduce strain on your HVAC system.

Summer is here, so we’re also here with some super-important tips to help you stay cool at home and at work! Because, let’s be honest, nothing beats relaxing in a cool room on a scorching day.

That said, are you wondering how to save on AC bill in summer? Below are 4 money saving tips that may also help reduce the summer strain on your HVAC system.

5 HVAC Tips This Summer

Here are 5 tips you can follow to reduce the summertime strain on your system:

Don’t Turn The AC Off When Leaving Your Home

You may believe that shutting off your air conditioner when you leave will save you money. However, if you totally switch off your AC unit, it will have to work harder to reach the desired temperature whenever you turn it back on. Wondering what the best temperature for AC to save money is?

Just remember: Completely turning off your air conditioner increases humidity, which can lead to condensation and other moisture-related problems on extremely humid days. Investing in a smart or programmable thermostat is the greatest way to save money and maintain a comfortable temperature in your house.

Always Close All Your Windows And Doors

When you leave your windows and doors open, heated air might enter your home. This is because, according to the laws of thermodynamics, “hot flows to cold,” meaning in this case, the heat in the air outside will transfer to the air within, which is less heated.

Letting more hot, humid air into your home will increase the workload of your system, which already has its hands full. Depending on the season, remember one of the crucial HVAC tips that leaving your windows and doors open might allow allergens and pollutants to enter your home effortlessly. This is one of the most effective money saving tips to take note of.

Change Your Filters Frequently

Dirty air filters reduce airflow, which causes your cooling system to work much harder than it should to cool your home. By limiting airflow, less air may move over the evaporator coil at any given time. Therefore, the system will take longer to operate, and the coil will absorb less heat, leading to an increased risk of a frozen coil. In addition to putting strain on your blower motor, clogged filters force it to pull air through at a higher pressure than planned.

Ensure Annual HVAC Maintenance Is Performed

A technician can ensure that critical components such as evaporator and condenser coils are clean and functioning properly. This allows your air conditioning unit to operate more efficiently and effectively. Smith Plumbing and Heating recommends getting your HVAC inspected twice annually. Remember that a small amount of maintenance can save costly repairs in the future.

If you need heating and air conditioning repair, feel free to contact Smith heating and cooling services anytime. We offer money saving tips and tricks to help you stay cool in your home without spending too much.

Do Not Close Too Many Registers At Home

Your duct system is intended to move a predetermined amount of air at a specified pressure, so these vent registers must be open. Closing them in unoccupied rooms does not diminish the amount of air-conditioned air produced; instead, it forces the system to exert more effort to circulate the air that is currently passing through. As previously stated, the last thing we need during the hot, humid summer months is for your system to work excessively. Follow these HVAC tips to retain the effectiveness of your system.

Take Care Of Your HVAC With Smith’s Expert Services

These are only a few quick methods for staying cool this summer! 

In the case that your HVAC air conditioning system is malfunctioning, do not hesitate to employ these money saving tips or contact the professionals at Smith Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling. We are committed to providing you with exceptional service in order for you to feel at ease in your house.

Heating your home can be pricey. If you’re not careful, you can wind up paying a huge energy bill.

While properly managing your heat throughout the winter will help you minimize your energy expenses, it still may not be enough. If your heater is not energy efficient, it can feel like you’re burning dollars just to stay warm.

The more effective your heater is, the less it should cost to run. However, it’s not usually easy to recognize when your system is operating the best it can.

If you are wondering if you have an energy efficient heater, here are three ways to find out.

3 Ways To Find Out If You Have The Most Efficient Electric Heat

Here are 3 ways to know whether your heater is working at its best:

1. Understand Your AFUE Rating

The annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE, is the most accurate approach to calculating the optimal efficiency of your heater. A heater’s AFUE rating is a percentage that indicates how efficiently it converts fuel into energy. The greater the AFUE, the greater the heater’s efficiency.

The rating of your heater can be found in the user handbook or on a label found within the furnace cabinet. If you are unable to identify the rating using either of these methods, you can also contact the manufacturer or conduct an Internet search using the heater’s make and model.

To qualify as an energy efficient heater, the rating must be at least 90%. In temperate climates, a heater with an 80% efficiency rating is often adequate and relatively common. The minimum acceptable rating for new equipment is 78%.

2. Take Your Heater’s Age Into Account

The AFUE rating of your heater is a good starting point for analyzing if it’s an energy efficient heater, but it does not necessarily tell the whole story.

The average lifespan of a home’s heater is approximately 15 to 20 years. Even if your heater begins with an excellent rating, it can drop by around 5% per year if it is not maintained.

Despite the fact that you may have taken excellent care of your equipment over the years, its components will deteriorate over time. In addition, given the numerous advancements in HVAC technology, even a 10-year-old system could benefit from an upgrade.

Consider the age of your heater and its initial rating, then do the calculation. If energy efficiency and saving money on your power bill are essential to you, you may decide to begin measures sooner rather than later.

If you need help checking if you’re getting the most efficient electric heat, you may contact Smith Plumbing, Heating, And Cooling​​, Colorado Springs for help— whether it’s for maintenance, repair, or replacement.

3. Compare And Calculate Your Energy Bills

It is normal for energy bills to fluctuate on occasion. Seasonal shifts, a change in living conditions, or an increase in energy expenses are common causes.

Nonetheless, doing an electric heater efficiency comparison can help you determine if your heater is losing efficiency. If your energy bill is substantially greater than it was at the same time last year, your heater may not be operating as efficiently as it could.

Observe your heating bills and take note of any external factors that may contribute to a higher bill, such as varying climatic conditions from year to year, a lack of maintenance, or the need for general home improvements such as insulation, windows, and weatherization. Monitoring these changes might help you make more informed decisions about home heating.

Maintain Your Heater’s Efficiency With The Help Of Smith Heating And Cooling, Colorado Springs

Whether you’re in the market for a new heater or you’re wanting to keep your current system working as long as possible, maintaining your heater’s efficiency requires regular care.

If you are in the market for a new system, a professional expert will consider the local climate and your personal preferences before recommending the most appropriate equipment for your home. To ensure that your AFUE rate is as accurate as possible, maintain a regular schedule of inspection and maintenance appointments with Smith heating and cooling services to keep your unit operating at its peak.

Smith Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling can assist you in maintaining your heating system so that it operates as effectively as possible.

Contact Smith Plumbing and Heating for heating and air conditioning service maintenance appointments or if you’d like to speak with an expert about installing a new, high-efficiency system. We would be pleased to assist you in locating an energy efficient heater that matches your requirements.

If you’re interested in what to do during summer, Smith Pink Trucks have a great blog to find summer activities that’ll help your body stay cool and relaxed this summertime.