One of the most important and least expensive parts of your central air unit is your air filter. Sadly, this is one of the most neglected items in home maintenance. A clogged air filter makes your unit work harder,  deposits harmful particles in your system and makes the air inside your home dirtier.

Almost all filters can be changed within a couple of minutes and should be replaced anywhere from every 30 days to 90 days, depending on the filter you use. We suggest marking the next anticipated change date on your calendar. In today’s busy world, it is easy to forget to change a filter that is out of your sight.

There are three basic types of air filters, with varying degrees of efficiency:

Standard 1″ pleated filter is the basic flat filter and the least expensive. This filter is sufficient for many homes if changed monthly. However, the fiberglass filter is the least efficient in trapping tiny particles and allergens.

Four inch(4″) Pleated filters offer more surface area than standard fiberglass, thus trapping more dust and allergens. They cost slightly more than the fiberglass model and may last up to 60-180 days.

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the most efficient and remove 99.9% of airborne particles as small as .3 Micrometers. While this is the most expensive, it offers the greatest protection to your system and is particularly valuable to those in the home that suffer from allergies and breathing-related health issues. These filters have a *MERV rating between 13 and 16.

No matter what filter you choose, it is critical to check and change on a regular basis. The little time required for this simple maintenance will save you time and money, as well as improve the air quality inside your home.

With the warm weather approaching, we at Cogburn’s Heating and Air suggest you call early to have your AC unit checked. As part of our maintenance call, we will check you filter and advise you if it should be changed.

Cogburn’s has been the leading heating and air conditioning company in the greater Denton area since 1999. With our commitment to the highest standards of service, we continue to earn an “A” rating from the Better Business Bureau. Call us today and we will make sure you enjoy a trouble-free warm weather season. We can be reached at 940-243-9199.

*MERV rating is an abbreviation for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. A MERV rating tells you, on a scale of 1-16, how effectively your filter traps the small particles you don’t want circulating through your home. The higher a MERV rating, the higher the amount of particles the filter traps