Air Filters: Is Cheaper Better?

What is HVAC Filtration, and How Does it Help with Air Quality?

Have you ever wondered how to keep the air in your home or office clean and healthy? The answer is simple: HVAC filtration! Why is HVAC filtration important? Mold, bacteria and fungi thrive in the air that you breathe inside your home or office. The germs can be spread to anyone nearby, including you! If the germs are not controlled, they can cause serious respiratory problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema. Besides these health risks, poor air quality indoors can also impact productivity and even reduce worker productivity by up to 40%. With such a large impact on your health and work performance, it's easy to see how much importance HVAC filtration has.

How to Choose the Right HVAC Filter for Your Home or Business

Choosing the right HVAC filter for your home or business can be a daunting task. With so many types and sizes of filters on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your needs. From understanding furnace filters ratings to lifespans; we'll help you make an informed decision when it comes time to pick out a new filter.

What is a MERV rating?

Ever wondered which filter does a better job of keeping dust and other nasties from entering your air stream? Look no farther than the MERV rating! A higher rating means the filter will do a better job at trapping those small particles. MERV ratings are like grades in school - they range from 1 to 20 with most residential applications going up to 11. So even if your home isn't an A+ student, it can still rock a decent grade! Sure, MERV 11+ is great at keeping viruses out of your HVAC system. But just like too much of a good thing, it can also restrict airflow, which could lead to potential problems costing you big bucks. So be extra careful when choosing your filter.

What are the different types of HVAC filter

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable, there are a lot of choices out there - especially when it comes to HVAC filters. From the standard fiberglass filter, to the more advanced pleated filters, to the high-efficiency electrostatic filters - you can find a filter that meets your needs and budget. With so many options available, let's take a look at all the different types of HVAC filters and how they can help keep your home healthy and comfortable!

Fiberglass Air Filters

Fiberglass air filters are the most inexpensive air filter on the market. With the most basic MERV 1 rating, these disposable filters are pretty much an allergy nightmare. So if you have allergies, you might want to keep them away from your home and office!

Pleated Air Filters

Pleated air filters are an essential part of keeping your home clean and comfortable. These filters can remove pet dander, pollen, dust, and other airborne materials from circulating through your home's air system. With the help of pleated air filters, you can take a deep breath and enjoy the freshness of your home's air! When it comes to air filters, the more pleats you have, the more purified your air is! Regular 1” filters need to be changed out every 30–90 days, but why not take advantage of the fancier options? Ditch those 1”ers and upgrade to a 4” or 5“ filter - you'll only need a filter change every 6–12 months! Give us a call!

HEPA Filters

If you're dealing with allergies or other breathing issues, HEPA filters should be your best friend! They can help filter out all the nasty allergens and provide you with clean air. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, HEPA filters are the way to go. For a bit of extra cash, you can filter out up to 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, viruses, bacteria and other pesky particles from your air! Look for filters that are rated MERV 11 or higher. However, please be aware that the higher the MERV, the more difficult it is for your HVAC system to pull in air.

Have more questions?

Struggling to find the perfect air filter for your HVAC system? Don't sweat it, H & H Mechanical is here to help! Reach out to us for more information, and if you have any other questions about heating and cooling - we've got you covered.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Is Ductwork Included?

By Loren Crabtree • March 25, 2025

Why You Might Not Change the Ductwork When Replacing Your HVAC System When it comes time to replace your HVAC system, a question that frequently arises is whether the existing ductwork also needs to be replaced. Surprisingly, the answer isn't always a resounding yes. While it might seem logical to overhaul everything at once for efficiency's sake, several compelling reasons might sway your decision to retain the existing ductwork. Here's why: 1. Condition of Existing Ductwork The primary consideration is the condition of your current ductwork. If it's in good shape, free from leaks, and not showing signs of significant wear like corrosion or damage, it can often remain in place. Quality ductwork can last decades if properly installed and maintained, meaning it might outlast an HVAC unit itself. 2. Cost Efficiency Replacing ductwork is an extensive and sometimes invasive process that can significantly add to the overall cost of HVAC system replacement. If the current ductwork is still functional and efficient, keeping it can save you a substantial amount of money and time. It's all about balancing the cost versus benefits, and if the ductwork isn't contributing to energy loss or performance issues, the expenditure might not be justified. 3. Compatibility and Sizing In many cases, the existing ductwork is perfectly compatible with the new HVAC unit. Proper sizing is critical for the efficiency of the HVAC system — if the ducts were correctly sized for the old unit, and the new unit is of a similar size and capacity, there's often no need for adjustment. However, significant changes in the size or type of HVAC system could warrant a reassessment and potential replacement of the ductwork. 4. Minimal Performance Gains The performance boost from replacing ductwork might not be as significant as expected, particularly if your existing ducts are in good condition. The efficiency and functionality of your HVAC system depend largely on the unit itself, proper installation, and regular maintenance. While new ductwork can offer improvements, especially if the old system had issues, the marginal gains might not always justify the cost for systems already operating efficiently. 5. Environmental Considerations Retaining existing ductwork can also be a more environmentally friendly option. By not replacing the ducts, you're reducing waste and the demand for new materials. This approach aligns with the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling, contributing to a lower environmental impact. Final Thoughts Deciding not to replace the ductwork during an HVAC system upgrade isn't about cutting corners; it's about making an informed choice based on the condition, compatibility, and the potential cost and environmental impact. However, it's crucial to have your current system evaluated by a professional to ensure that keeping the existing ductwork is the best decision for your home's comfort and efficiency. Regular inspections and maintenance will keep your HVAC system, and its ductwork running smoothly for years to come, ensuring that when the time for replacement comes, you'll be ready to make the best choice for your home.

What to Look for in a Heating and Air Company Near You

By Loren Crabtree • March 11, 2025

What to Look for in a Heating and Air Company Near Me

Why does my air conditioner run in the winter?

By Loren Crabtree • February 25, 2025

Why Does My Air Conditioner Run in the Winter? Discovering that your air conditioner is running during the colder months can be a surprising and confusing experience. However, there are legitimate reasons for this occurrence, some of which are by design and others that might indicate a need for maintenance. Understanding why this happens can ease your concerns and help ensure that your HVAC system is functioning as efficiently as possible, even when the mercury drops. 1. Heat Pump Operation The most common reason your air conditioner seems to be active in winter is if you have a heat pump system. Heat pumps are designed to cool your home in the summer and heat it in the winter, using the outdoor unit in both operations. In heating mode, the system reverses the flow of refrigerant, extracting heat from the outdoor air and transferring it indoors. So, if your "air conditioner" is running in the winter, it's likely that it's actually your heat pump operating in its heating mode. 2. Defrost Mode In winter, the outdoor unit of a heat pump can accumulate frost, which reduces its efficiency in heating mode. To combat this, heat pumps are equipped with a defrost cycle. During this cycle, it may appear that your air conditioning is running since the system temporarily reverses back to cooling mode to generate warm air to melt the frost on the outdoor unit. This is a normal and necessary function of a heat pump in colder weather. 3. Thermostat Settings Occasionally, the reason your air conditioning runs in winter could be due to incorrect thermostat settings. If your thermostat is set to "cool" instead of "heat" or "auto," your air conditioning system will activate, regardless of the outside temperature. This is a simple fix but one that can significantly affect comfort and energy bills. 4. Integrated HVAC Systems Some modern HVAC systems integrate both air conditioning and heating into a single unit, sharing interior components like air handlers and ductwork. In these systems, even when in heating mode, parts of your air conditioning system may still operate to circulate air throughout your home. This doesn’t necessarily mean the cooling function is active, but rather that the system uses the blower to distribute warm air. 5. Malfunction or System Error If none of the above reasons apply, your AC running in winter could suggest a malfunction. This could be due to a variety of issues like a faulty thermostat, a stuck reversing valve (in heat pumps), or incorrect wiring. In such cases, it's essential to contact an HVAC professional to diagnose and resolve the problem to prevent potential damage or inefficiency. Understanding and Addressing the Issue Noticing your air conditioner running in winter isn’t always cause for immediate concern. Identifying the reason is the first step towards ensuring your system's efficiency and your home's comfort. Regular maintenance and familiarizing yourself with your HVAC system can help mitigate unexpected surprises and ensure that your system serves you well, regardless of the season. If in doubt, consulting with an HVAC professional can provide clarity and peace of mind.