As the summer heat continues unabated, it's a good time to make sure you're getting the most out of your air conditioner and dehumidifier. One easy way is to clean the filters. If you haven't done so since summer began, then this chore is long overdue. The improved performance of your appliances will make you glad you made the effort. Dirty filters hamper the efficiency of your air conditioner and dehumidifier. And if they're working harder, it's costing you money without making your home more comfortable. If you have central air conditioning, have your contractor show you how to change the filters. During cooling season, Energy Star recommends that the filters be inspected, cleaned or changed every month. Alternatively, if you feel like your system is losing its oomph, have a licensed professional change all filters; clean and flush the coils, drain pan, and drainage system; vacuum the blower compartments; and check the refrigerant and mechanical components. With window air conditioners, some filters are easier to change than others.

Cleaning may be needed every few weeks during the hottest part of the summer. With that in mind, make sure you determine how easy it is to remove the filter when selecting a new unit. When cleaning it, remove debris with a vacuum then wash the filter in warm, soapy water; be sure filters are dry before you reinstall them and replace damaged filters. When the filter is removed for cleaning, check the surface of the evaporator coil, which will now be visible. If there is dust or debris on the surface, gently remove it. Taking care not to deform the soft fins, use an upholstery-brush attachment to vacuum the coils. Dirty filters can also inhibit the performance of your dehumidifier. Most can be easily removed and cleaned in just a few minutes. Don't neglect this task just because your unit is out of sight in the basement. Keeping the filters clean will improve the air quality and keep your machine working at its best. This is important when the humidity is high. For more tips on how to maintain your equipment and save on your utility bill, check the Consumer Reports guide to summer cooling.

Where are your air filters located in your home? Most central heating and air conditioning systems locate the air filter housing as close to the blower unit as possible in the return air duct. air conditioning units- building regulationsAir filtration happens as the blower draws air through the filter and feeds it into the furnace or AC unit for conditioning and circulation. ac unit short cyclingThe grill or box cover over the opening that contains the air filter should be located on the wall nearest to wherever the furnace is mounted, on the opposite side of the wall as the furnace. ac unit stick testIf not there, the filter may be located inside, or on the air handler itself. How do I find out my furnace filter size? The opening behind the grate covering the furnace filter will typically be a basic square or rectangle shape.

Your air vent filter size should match exactly to slightly smaller than the measured outside length and width of the frame around that opening. This is vital as missed matched filters can allow harmful particles such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, tobacco smoke and other contaminants to enter your house. Having an incorrect filter size is like not using a filter at all, which can have a bigger impact on your furnace and AC systems. Actual filter size is the critical dimension to measure and shop for. Most air vent filters match exactly with the size of the opening. Vent filters that do not match exactly, are expressed in terms of nominal and actual filter sizes. Nominal filter size is the approximate size of the filter rounded up to the nearest whole inch. For example, a filter that measures 19 ⅝” x 19 ⅝” x 13/16” might be nominally labelled as 20 x 20 x 1. Need help figuring out your air filter size? Pull out your current filter and look on its side.

Dimensions range from 10”x10” to 30”X36” and most, but not all filters are 1” thick, though some homes will have 2”-5” thick filters. What sizes does Quality Air Filters have? Some HVAC systems require eccentric shaped, and/or oddly sized air filters. Quality Air Filters stocks 75 standard sized air filters, and can make custom air filters to any size desired. The best part is that there is no minimum quantity requirement for custom orders. You can order just one custom air filter if that’s all you need. Additionally, Quality Air Filters can create custom delivery schedules that vary from just a one time order to every 2-6 months that best suit your air filter needs. Does my filter have to be an exact fit? Ideally, you want the vent filter to fit as close to exact as possible. If a filter is not fitted snugly, unfiltered air will go through the path of least resistance, and the filter will be rendered partially if not completely useless. Particles that bypass the filter may build up on the mechanical parts of furnaces, and AC units, and deteriorate proper mechanical working conditions over time.

Left unattended this creates the need for expensive repairs, parts replacements, or in extreme cases total replacement of the unit. It’s important that everyone changes their air filters on a regular basis. From decreasing your electric bill to improving the efficiency of your HVAC system, by regularly changing your air filter with the right size, the higher quality of air you’ll have circulating through your home. can help you keep your house in great condition with new and effective air filters delivered right to your door. Feltons’ Heating & Cooling – Local Longview Experts for All HVAC Maintenance Needs Air conditioning units and heating devices are likely among the most expensive items within a home or business infrastructure. While some owners might wish to replace older model units with newer, more efficient systems in order to save more money on their bills each month, it’s important to also recognize when a unit simply requires maintenance in order to achieve peak operational efficiency.

Professional Air Conditioner Maintenance When an air conditioner is not working to optimal effect, home and business owners must ensure that they respond to the issue immediately. The most common problem associated with air conditioners is the unit not blowing cold air. There are several maintenance steps that home users can take on themselves in order to respond to this common issue: Change the Filter within the Unit Air conditioning unit filters often get clogged when not maintenance on a monthly basis. Simply changing the filter can help to relieve any problems with airflow Clean the Condenser Fins When a filter becomes dirty, that dirt is then passed on to the condenser fins. Users can clean these condenser fins by purchasing special brushes to help remove debris from the area. Check the Condenser Fan Motor Sometimes when a thermostat is turned down low and the unit inside is not responding, the condenser fan is the culprit.  Home users may be able to tighten some of the wire connections by themselves.

However, if there is any discomfort in doing this type of work, it’s best to contact the professionals at Feltons’ Heating & Cooling to ensure complete safety and top level maintenance. Maintaining a Heat Pump at Peak Efficiency Heat Pumps are one of the more efficient methods of heating and cooling a property. But they do require consistent maintenance and vigilance in order to do their job. Here are a few examples of the small steps users can take to ensure their heat pump is working to optimal capacity: Clean Area Surrounding Unit Heat pumps can become clogged with leaves and dirt underneath the grille. Clients can ensure that their unit is free of obstructions by removing the grille from the unit and cleaning the debris from between the fan blades. When filters are not replaced regularly within heat pumps, it can lead to dirty coils and fans. This, in turn, leads to restricted airflow which decreased the efficiency of the system. To ensure that all components within the unit remain free from contaminants, replace dirty filters regularly.

Superior Furnace Maintenance Solutions For those with older model furnaces, ensuring that the equipment is working optimally means going through specific maintenance steps. These steps will not only improve the system’s functionality but help to proactively prevent any future issues from occurring. Taking the following steps can help ensure complete and optimal furnace functionality: Replace Furnace Filters Once a Month To check a filter, take it out and then hold it up to the light. If there are dirt particles caught within the filter, replace it with a new filter of the same size and type. For those with an older model heat pump or furnace, cleaning the blower area regularly is very important. To clean the blower, simply remove the panel that covers the filter then with a toothbrush clean each fan blade directly as well as the spaces in between the fan blades. Check the Heat Exchanger If a furnace is leaking water, the problem is likely related to the heat exchanger.