Do I Need Special Tools to Install an Aftermarket Brand of Filters with My Window Air Conditioner Unit?

It seems that all of these window ACs have very basic thin filters. Air conditioning filters come in different sizes, so you'll need to check if it's the right one. You can measure the current filter to determine what size to buy. They can be made of different materials, such as foam, aluminum mesh and polyester.

If you're not sure what material yours is made of, you can take your current filter to a home improvement store and ask for help selecting the right replacement. However, don't run the air conditioner without a filter. After all, the filter keeps all the dirt out of the machine. Keep it turned off while the filter is out to prevent damage.

You can hear it now: your HVAC technician is teaching you a lesson on how to make sure you change your air filter. It's important to understand why changing your air filter regularly is so important. The general consensus is that you should replace your home air filter every 3 months or 90 days. But what happens if you let that time go by for a bit? Before we talk about WHEN you should change your air filter, let's start with the WHY.

The main reason for changing your air filter regularly is to keep your HVAC system running efficiently and effectively. A clogged air filter can cause your system to work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy bills and potential damage to the system itself. Additionally, a dirty air filter can reduce the quality of air in your home by allowing dust, dirt, and other allergens to circulate through your home's air supply. When it comes to selecting an aftermarket brand of filters for your window AC unit, there are several factors to consider.

These are the two filter boxes for the minisplits on the first floor (one more in the attic upstairs). Each box has four 20 x 20 x 1 MERV 13 filters. The reason for four of them is to increase surface area. Generally speaking, the higher the filtration rate, the lower the air flow of the filter.

The decrease in airflow must be offset by adding more surface area. In this case, I expect all four filters to provide enough surface area to not decrease airflow. Since you haven't noticed any difference with or without the filters, their effect when they're clean is negligible, but you might find that the units stay on longer to maintain the workshop temperature as they get dirty, increasing your energy costs. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a rating that measures the filtration capacity of an air filter.

This building is fairly well insulated, with two walk-through doors, two 3 x 6-foot sliding windows, and an insulated roll-up garage door. However, if there are a lot of people, pets in the house or the air is particularly dusty or dirty (smokers or on construction sites), it is recommended to replace the air filters at a shorter interval, 30 to 60 days. The only type of filters that trap allergens and spores are HEPA filters, or air filters for high-energy particles. Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than that recommended by the boiler or air conditioner manufacturer may affect its performance.

Fibreglass filters, made of spun glass, last an average of 30 days and capture a much lower percentage of air particles. Depending on your filtering needs, the filter medium can be made of many different types of materials, such as fiberglass, polyester, cotton, and more. Each pole has cut-out recesses to allow the filters to be installed, and the old oven fan motor is located inside. Available in a variety of sizes and usually at a lower price than other similar competitors, this pleated electret filter traps just about everything you breathe at home.

A clean air conditioner window filter makes your air conditioner work more efficiently and helps your home feel cooler. The data that Filtrete shared with us indicates that the 1500 eliminated 54 percent of 0.3 to 1 micron particles in its own tests, compared to a minimum of 35 percent for Nordic Pure, with MERV 12 certification. A review of the NIH literature indicates that filters in this range can significantly reduce indoor fine particle pollution and alleviate some respiratory conditions. Pleated filters are often better than non-pleated filters, as they allow a larger surface area to collect dust, pet hair and other debris floating in the air.