Changing your air filters is a key part of proper routine HVAC maintenance. Whether you live in Visalia, Bakersfield, Fresno, or another part of Central California, you’ll save time and money when you shop for air filters online. The experts at Monarch Home Services have some helpful tips to show you why shopping for air filters online is beneficial, how to choose the right air filter for your system, and more.
Benefits of Shopping for Air Filters Online
Online air filter shopping provides a range of great benefits. Here’s why you should buy air filters online instead of at a local retailer.
You’ll Save Money
Monarch Home Services offers direct-to-consumer air filters, giving customers a better price than most retail stores and saving them the cost of the journey. We also offer multi-packs so you can buy several air filters at once in a single purchase to save even more money.
It’s Convenient
When you buy air filters online, all you need to do is make a few clicks of the mouse, choose your filter, and enter your payment and shipping information, all from the comfort of your own home. Once you complete your purchase, the air filters are delivered right to your doorstep, making the entire process extremely convenient. Plus, you’ll have a history of the air filters you purchased, so it’s much easier to re-purchase the right ones in the future.
Better Selection
Shopping for your air filters online gives you access to a broader selection of products. You can search the inventory to discover a range of brand names, sizes, and MERV ratings. Having access to more types of HVAC filters provides you with a much wider selection to choose from, so it’s easy to find and buy the perfect air filter for your unique needs.
Choosing the Right Air Filter
Choosing the best air filters for your home might feel overwhelming. Fortunately, we have some air filter replacement tips to help you choose the right air filter for you.
Assess Your Needs
Start by determining if you have any specific indoor air quality concerns, such as family members with asthma or allergies, or if you have pets in the home. Next, confirm which type of HVAC system you have, whether it’s a furnace, mini-split system, heat pump, etc., and document the correct replacement filter type and size you need. Finally, decide how much money you’re willing to spend on replacement air filters and set a budget before you start shopping.
Know the Specs
Not all air filters are the same in terms of size and filtration capabilities. Refer to your HVAC owner’s manual to find the proper size and type. If you don’t have the manual, use a tape measure and write down the width, length, and thickness of your current air filter so it’s easier to find the right replacement. It’s also important to confirm that you choose the correct filter based on system compatibility.
Ask for Help
If you’re still unsure about which air filter you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Monarch Home Services. We’re happy to help you choose the appropriate air filter for your home. It’s also a great idea to read customer reviews of different air filters to determine which option will suit your needs the best.
Types of Air Filters Available
With so many different types of air filters available online, choosing the right one can be a bit confusing. Here’s some more information about the different varieties of air filters available to you.
- MERV ratings: Air filters have different MERV ratings referring to how well they filter various particles, and these ratings range from one to 16, with 16 being the most effective rating to remove even the tiniest of airborne contaminants (most homes only need a MERV rating of between eight and 13).
- Spun glass/fiberglass: These air filters are made of strands of glass spun together on a metal grate and are usually the most affordable option, but they’re also not the best choice to remove contaminants.
- Electrostatic: This air filter style creates static electricity by using cotton and paper fibers that act as a magnet to trap pollutants, and work well for people with allergies.
- Pleated: Constructed of polyester or cotton fabric, this air filter style features folds that increase the surface area so it lasts longer and traps larger contaminants like pollen and pet dander.
- HEPA: HEPA or High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters can remove up to 99.7% of airborne particles like smoke, mold, dust, pet dander, and even bacteria, but cost more than most air filters.
- Washable: These environmentally friendly filters are reusable and come in flat or pleated styles — all you need is a vacuum cleaner or some mild soap and water to clean and reuse them.
Frequency of Air Filter Replacement
So, how often should you replace your HVAC system’s air filter? While some filters state they last for up to 90 days, we recommend replacing your air filter every 30 to 60 days. You can also check your air filter occasionally to look for signs of dirt buildup and replace it earlier if you need to. No matter what, it’s always best to replace your air filter based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and what you see whenever you inspect it.
Several things can cause an air filter to become dirty and clogged well before the 90-day mark. Everything from environmental conditions like wildfires to home renovation projects can easily clog your air filter prematurely. If you have a large household or pets in your home, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace your air filter much sooner.
Contact Monarch Home Services Today
Monarch Home Services is your go-to provider for reliable HVAC solutions throughout the Central California area. We offer an easy online shopping experience so you can order your filters today and maintain a healthy home environment. If you’d like to learn more or want to schedule a service with our company, contact us today!