If the air filter is not sealed properly in the filter frame, air may pass through the gaps surrounding the stray filter. While these gaps may seem small and insignificant, they can have a big impact on the efficiency of the air filter. An internal combustion engine needs to mix approximately 10,000 litres of air with every liter of fuel to run. Air enters the engine through the air filter.
Without proper air intake, the fuel mixture will be too rich in fuel, so it will not burn properly and the engine will be deprived of the oxygen it needs. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your air filter every 12,000 miles (approximately 19,000 km) or every 12 months, whichever comes first. However, if you live in an agricultural area or any area with a lot of dust or impurities in the air, you should consider replacing the air filter more often. Inadequate air supply can cause carbon deposits to build up in the engine, eventually triggering the engine check light.
If the light comes on, check the air filter to see if it needs to be replaced before performing other diagnostics. For this reason, most automakers recommend changing your air filter every 12,000 miles (approximately 19,000 km) or every 12 months, whichever comes first, regardless of how dirty the air filter is. Folding the filter makes the seal imperfect. Air will filter through and around the bend, bypassing the filter altogether.
This causes dirt and debris to accumulate on the fan, slows down airflow, degrades performance, lowers air quality, and generally creates a big mess that you will have to pay to fix or clean it later. Please check the size of your existing air filter before purchasing a replacement one. If you buy a filter that is too large, it will not slide properly into the slot. If the filter is too small, it will not cover the entire space and may allow dust and dirt to pass through.
If you're not sure what filter size you need, check the manufacturer's specifications or ask your HVAC technician for help choosing the right product. You may have to replace your air conditioner a year or two in advance, and in the meantime you will likely pay for costly air conditioning repairs. Washable filters can eliminate the expense of regular replacements, but they cost more upfront and require a time-consuming wash rather than a quick change. Dirty ducts will have to replace air filters sooner than normal.
Advanced filters can last a little longer between cleanings and replacements, so check with the manufacturer for a recommended program. This means that you will have to go to a local factory authorized dealer to get models directly from the manufacturer of your air conditioner, not one-size-fits-all air filters from a hardware store. So what do you do when you have an air filter of the wrong size? The only solution is to find the right size. If your home is tightly sealed, you don't have pets or dust-prone furniture such as cloth-covered carpets and furniture and you dust and vacuum every day, your air filters will have fewer airborne particles to collect.
MERVs range from 1 to 16 and a higher number indicates higher cleaning efficiency because it can filter smaller particles out of the air. Minimize local pollen and other allergens that may infiltrate your home in Buffalo Grove, Illinois by ensuring your HVAC filter is always well maintained. Humidifier filters and pads are available for all major manufacturers (including Air King, American Standard, Aprilaire, GeneralAire and Honeywell). Dust, allergens and pollutants will not leak out of indoor air as it bypasses the filter and enters the vent and returns.
The air filter prevents debris from entering cylinders reducing friction and allowing engine to operate at maximum efficiency.
