The First Line of Defense

AIR FILTERS




The type of air conditioner filter you buy is important. They are responsible for removing allergens and contaminants that may enter your home. An air conditioner with an inferior filter will also cool down air poorly and decrease the lifespan of the unit. The different types of filters include standard, pleated, and electrostatic. This article will discuss the different types of air conditioner filters.

Standard
A standard air conditioner filter is made of spun fiberglass and have cardboard frames. It is only capable of removing 10 percent of airborne pollutants. Standard air conditioner filters only remove larger particles and do not filter harmful allergens and contaminants very well. You have to change these filters every month.

Pleated
The next type of air conditioner filter is pleated. They are manufactured by folding filter material back and forth and have a larger surface area than standard filters. They are capable of removing 35 to 40 percent of harmful particles in the air. Pleated air conditioner filters are slightly more expensive than standard air conditioner filters and you need to replace them once every three months.

Electrostatic
An electrostatic air conditioner filter uses filter media that has an electric charge that attracts contaminants. They can have a built-in electrostatic charge, or else create a charge from the air moving through the system. Electrostatic air conditioner filters can remove around 90 percent of particles and cost anywhere from $30 to $100. You only need to replace them once every three months.

HEPA
Another type of air conditioner filter is HEPA, or High Efficiency Particulate Arresting filter. They are able to trap 99.97% of contaminants including fibers, dust, smoke, and pet dander. They can effectively trap particles 1/300th the width of a human hair.

Electronic

You can also use an electronic air cleaner in your air conditioner. Although these air cleaners function much like electrostatic filters, they are more effective. They use a fan to trap up to 95 percent of particles in an electrostatic precipitator. These devices are usually recommended if you have allergies.

These are the different types of air conditioner filters. Most people use standard filters that only remove 10 percent of pollutants because they are cheap. Pleated filters are a step above them and capable of trapping up to 40 percent. Electrostatic and electronic filters are more expensive and can remove 90 to 95 percent of contaminants. The best air conditioner filter is a HEPA filter because it can trap 99 percent of pollutants.

Can’t find the specific filter you want or better yet can find the specific size filter you need? Contact Schwenn Mechanical 407-895-7550 or click here to contact us online!

Make Your Thermostat Work for You

Did you know that properly using a programmable thermostat in your home is one of the easiest ways you can save energy, money, and help fight global warming? A programmable thermostat helps make it easy for you to save by offering four pre-programmed settings to regulate your home's temperature in both summer and winter — when you are asleep or away.

The average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills — nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings. The pre-programmed settings that come with programmable thermostats are intended to deliver savings without sacrificing comfort. Depending on your family’s schedule, you can see significant savings by sticking with those settings or adjust them as appropriate for your family. The key is to establish a program that automatically reduces heating and cooling in your home when you don't need as much. Use the ENERGY STAR Programmable Thermostat Calculator to see what you can save with set-back temperatures that work for your family.

In the summer months, the air conditioner's thermostat should not be set any lower than 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Likewise, the settings should not be any higher than 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Keeping to these guidelines will help maximize energy savings.

Gradually adjust the temperature on the thermostat to help ensure everyone in the family is comfortable. Reduce, or raise the temperature just one degree at a time and try it for a week. Each one-degree adjustment for an eight-hour period reduces your fuel bill costs. Gradually, you might be able to adjust three or even four degrees comfortably and save a chunk of money.

Need a programmable thermostat? Call Schwenn Mechanical 407-895-7550 or click here to contact us online!