Changing seasons is an appropriate time to change your air filters, too. The upcoming interlude between summer air conditioning and winter heating season provides a good reminder to give the HVAC system timely attention. Professional preventive maintenance should be scheduled for the furnace to ensure it’s fully functional and operating at optimum performance, efficiency and safety when cool weather starts. But, it only takes a few minutes to change your air filters yourself.
Your air conditioner and furnace share the same filter. It’s probably dusty and dirty from long hours of summer A/C operation. Don’t go into furnace season with system air flow that’s below specs, not to mention increased operating costs, due to a clogged filter.
What Type?
Regular filter changes should be an all-season matter as long as you’re running either the A/C or furnace. However, the type of filter matters as much as the replacement interval. Inexpensive fiberglass panel filters provide poor filtration performance, removing only the largest particles of dust from indoor air. They’re mainly useful for protecting mechanical components from wear and tear—not safeguarding your indoor air quality. Instead, purchase pleated cotton or polyester filters for more effective filtration. Filter efficiency is rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) numeral that appears on most filters. A MERV rating around 8 means the filter can capture particulates down to a size of 3.0 microns—effective for most household airborne pollutants without restricting system airflow.
How Often?
In most households, the air conditioner runs more hours during a typical summer day than the furnace runs during winter days. Higher volume of air circulation means filters become clogged more rapidly in summer. When running the A/C, therefore, monthly filter changes are recommended. Once winter furnace operation begins, check the filter monthly and change it immediately only if it appears dusty or dirty. Otherwise, change the furnace filter every other month.
Need more info about when to change your air filters? Contact Paitson Bros., your Wabash Valley source for trusted HVAC sales, service and advice since 1922.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
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Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922