If you have ever wondered: “Why do my air filters get dirty so fast?” you’re not alone. Many homeowners have asked this question.
Where does all of the dust and dirt come from? And more importantly, what can you do to stop it?
Service was great on time very efficient explained what he was doing changed filter disposed of old filter ! Nice young man 👍
Response from the owner:Thank you, marianne, for your fantastic 5-star rating; we appreciate your support!
Wonderful work. Great communication and always a happy positive technician. Answered all of my questions with sincerity and patience.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words, Bob. We truly appreciate your business!
As always, the Hoffmann technician Zach was polite, professional, and efficient. Pricing is reasonable and even more importantly, they are dependable. I will continue to use Thomas Hoffman A/C and Heating.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mark, for your kind words about our technician and for your continued trust in Thomas Hoffman A/C and Heating; we truly appreciate your support!
Hoffman is great! Very professional and thorough.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Brandon! We appreciate your kind words and are glad to hear about your positive experience with Hoffmann’s professionalism and thoroughness.
Giovanni was great today! Thanks for everything.
Response from the owner:Thank you, James! We're glad you had a great experience, and we'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Giovanni.
The technician is always on time and very thorough.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Catherine, for your kind words about our technician's punctuality and thoroughness; we appreciate your feedback!
Giovanni was good…. This is reason we ask for him
Response from the owner:Thank you, Pat, for your kind words about Giovanni; we appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that he made a positive impression.
Our service technician arrived right on time and was professional, friendly, efficient and courteous. We couldn’t ask for more.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your positive experience with our service technician! We appreciate your kind words and are glad to hear that you were satisfied with the service provided.
Ryan was here on time. Thanks for getting here early, as I requested. Very friendly too. It was my annual checkup and all good!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the great review, Kay. We truly appreciate your business!
I'm a new customer and had my first appointment for furnace check.My tech was Zack and what a professional. He explained how he checked system and answered all my questions. This was a very good experience
Response from the owner:Thank you, Patricia, for your kind words! We're glad to hear that Zack provided you with a professional and informative experience during your furnace check. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
Thomas Hoffman is a wonderful company to work with. Techs are knowledgeable, personable & efficient.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Christine, for your kind words about our team; we appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear you had a positive experience!
I called on December 25th at midnight and started leaving a message and Thomas Hoffman the owner called me back almost immediately. He said he would come out the next morning between 8:00 and 10:00 am snd he was promptly on time. He fixed my problem and while he was there I decided to get an estimate for a new furnace and air conditioning unit. The price was very reasonable and the installers one of them being his son were both very professional very courteous, polite, arrived on time and finished the same day. I enjoy knowing that I now have the support of Thomas Hoffman heating and air conditioning along with the peace of mind that comes with owning a Trane. Nothing stops a Trane.
Albert Koesterer
Response from the owner:Albert thanks so much for your kind reviews and your business. We truly appreciate it!!!
Fast, friendly, professional service.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Hank, for your wonderful feedback; we're glad you enjoyed the fast, friendly, and professional service, and we'll be sure to keep up the great work!
The Thomas Hoffmann team did a great job taking care of our semi annual HVAC maintenance. They not only worked with us to schedule the visit, but also did an excellent job sending us reminders on when they would be out.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the great review, Bob! We appreciate your support and are happy to hear you had a great experience!
Nick was excellent. Super profession, quick, and up front with the pricing (which was fair). Hopefully we don't need to call anyone to fix our AC again, but if we do - I'm calling Nick!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Layton, for your amazing review! We really appreciate your support and hope to be your first call for any future repairs!
Same day service. Technician arrived as scheduled. Replaced capacitor quickly. Friendly technician. Repair cost $429 seemed high for inexpensive part and 20 minutes labor.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Tom, for your feedback! We're glad to hear the technician was prompt and friendly, though we understand your concerns about the repair cost. We appreciate your insights and hope to serve you again in the future.
Excellent.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Al, for your excellent review; we truly appreciate your support and are glad to hear you had a great experience!
Thank u
Response from the owner:Thank you, Connie, we appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear from you!
Courteous friendly and efficient! What else could you want!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Bob! We're glad you found our service courteous, friendly, and efficient – that's exactly what we strive for!
Thomas Hoffmann is the most professional and courteous of all the HVAC companies in St. Louis. It has kept my HVAC systems in good working order through the hottest and coldest days for many years.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Jonathan, for your kind words about our professionalism and courtesy; we truly appreciate your support!
Quick response time and great to deal with!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Pat! We appreciate your kind words and are glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team.
I notified two companies at the same time regarding a malfunctioning AC unit and Wow! Super fast response from Hoffmann on a weekend no less, to fix our AC unit. Hoffmann’s tech responded to my call immediately and fixed our AC before Galmiche has even responded. Used to be a Galmiche customer, but will use Thomas Hoffmann from here on out!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Darlene, for your fantastic feedback! We're glad to hear that our team was able to respond quickly and resolve your AC issue. We appreciate your trust in us moving forward!
Ryan did a great job with my AC reinstall. Very knowledgeable company with Tom Hoffmann providing the engineering expertise.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Steve! We're glad to hear that Ryan did a great job on your AC reinstall, and we appreciate the shoutout to Tom's expertise. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
These guy's are amazing same day service very well priced for the knowledge they have ask before doing anything to confirm they're my new go to
Response from the owner:Thank you, Cory! We're glad you found our service amazing and appreciate your kind words about our pricing and knowledge. We're here for you anytime!
Great service. Responsive. Well trained technicians. Honest friendly and thorough. I highly recommend Tom Hoffmann and his team.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We appreciate your recommendation and are delighted to hear about your positive experience with our team.
They came very fast to fix our AC and service was very good
Response from the owner:Thank you, Maria, for your kind words about our service; we're glad to hear you had a great experience!
My ac compressor was replaced. They always do a good job and they are always available when you need them.I think the price was a little too high since they only had to change the compressor in my unit. The compressor was under the warranty. Other than that Im very satisfied with the job the technician did.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Carlos, for your feedback and for recognizing the hard work of our technician; we appreciate your satisfaction with the job done and will take your pricing comments into consideration.
I was very pleased with your service. Prompt response would was most appreciated. The technician was very knowledgeable and prepared for the work. Also he was very personable and professional.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Richard, for your kind words; we appreciate your recognition of our technician's knowledge and professionalism, and we're glad you had a positive experience with our service.
Nick zeroed right in on the problem with a slight leak and quickly provided a solution.
Response from the owner:Thanks, George, for your kind words! We're glad Nick could quickly address the issue for you.
I have complete trust in Thomas Hoffman AC . I have had multiple
technicians who are always polite and knowledgeable.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your trust in our team, Henry! We appreciate your kind words about our technicians.
Speedy and knowledgeable service!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Zach, for your kind words; we appreciate your support!
Thank goodness for them coming out so quickly. Got our whole job done and we are COOL again. Thanks so much!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Sandy! We're so glad to hear everything got done quickly and you’re feeling cool again. We appreciate your kind words!
Had an amazing experience with Thomas Hoffman. They were very professional and solved the problem quickly. I would highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Alex, for your wonderful feedback! We're glad to hear that Thomas was able to assist you so effectively. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Nick was a true expert in explaining our options for a new thermostat.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Robert, for your kind words about Nick's expertise; we're glad he could help you with your thermostat options!
Zac did our service today. A very professional and courteous young man.
He did a thorough inspection and cleaning on our HVAC system.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Tom, for your kind words about Zac's professionalism and thoroughness during your HVAC service; we appreciate your feedback!
I've used these guys twice now and their response time is great, they are friendly, informative, and most importantly, effective. I'm calling these folks every time my furnace sounds weird.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the wonderful feedback, Greg! We're glad to hear that you've had such positive experiences with our team. Providing timely and effective service is our priority, and we're here whenever you need us. Looking forward to assisting you again!
Excellent place to work with and installation crew were A+. They were able to get my new AC and Furnace installed quickly. I have breathing issues and disabled so this was a GREAT experience. If you need AC or Furnace installed this is your place.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Tony, for your wonderful feedback! We're glad to hear that our installation crew made the process smooth and efficient for you. Your satisfaction means a lot to us, and we appreciate your recommendation!
Fast, super friendly, and reasonable prices keep us coming back.
Response from the owner:Thank you! We're so glad to hear that our speed, friendliness, and prices keep you coming back. We appreciate your support!
Zachary was very friendly, efficient and knowledgable. He was able to service both units in 1 hour. I would recommend Thomas Hoffmann A/C for any future needs for me.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Michael! We're glad to hear that Zachary provided you with friendly and efficient service. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to assisting you with any future needs.
Great service and went the extra mile for us . We would most definitely use them again
Response from the owner:Thank you, Andre, for your kind words and for recognizing our efforts; we can't wait to serve you again!
Thomas Hoffman air-conditioning and heating is so wonderful and professional! Nick Hoffman was the technician that diagnosed my malfunctioning air conditioning system and determined how to fix it. He was so incredibly professional and even invited me to watch while he worked, and kindly explaining to me all the details about the problem and how he is fixing it. I am now a client for life with this company because of how professional, knowledgeable, and a delight to work with they are! I want to add that they prioritized helping me on the same day that I called and even was a holiday (and 90 degree heat out!), so that is another outstanding Effort from this amazing company! Thank you so much.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Carrie, for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear about your positive experience with Nick and our team. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we're glad we could assist you on the same day. Welcome to our family of clients!
They were able to come out quickly to help when our AC went down in the heat! They were prompt, kind, knowleadgable, explained everything easily in ways I could understand, fixed the issue, and made the experience so easy! I felt comfortable with the technican in and around our home working. Nick took the time to answer some questions about an unrlated issue while there. They will always be who we call for our heating and cooling needs!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Erin, for your wonderful feedback! We're glad to hear that our team, especially Nick, was able to assist you promptly and make the experience comfortable and easy. Your trust in us for your heating and cooling needs means a lot!
Possible Causes
There are many reasons why your air conditioner filters are getting dirty quickly. Here are the top four culprits.
- Cheap filters: Cheap filters tend to have shorter lifespans than high-quality filters. Take, for instance, the standard fiberglass air filters. These types of air filters are generally designed to last for 30 days. Therefore, if you notice that your air filters are gathering dirt fast, it may be due to the inexpensive and low-quality air filters you’re buying.
- High temperatures: When the outside temperatures become extreme, your air filter might begin to experience dirt problems. This is because, during extremely hot weather, more air is pushed through the AC system by the blower motor. As a result, the filters will capture more dirt and clog faster.
- Contaminants in the Air: High levels of dust and debris put a strain on your unit, making your filters clog faster. An increase in the number of people in your home can also increase the amount of dirt being kicked up into your system.
- Leaking air ducts: The air ducts are responsible for carrying heated or cooled air around your home. If there are duct leaks, this will make your unit work harder and get dirtier faster.
- Mold: In some cases, moisture can transfer to the air conditioner, leading to growth and accumulation of mold on the air filters. Aside from slowing your system, mold can also cause health issues.
Problems Caused by Dirty Filters
When your air filter becomes dirty, you may experience the following problems:
- Overheating: When the AC filters are dirty, they may eventually cause your air conditioning system to overheat. This is because the system has to work harder to keep up.
- Inadequate heating/cooling: If your AC filters become clogged, reaching the desired indoor temperature levels can be difficult. Less air blowing through the system due to dirt and debris can, in turn, lead to uncomfortable warm temperatures in your home.
- Unclean air: If your conditioner is not working properly, the air inside your house will become stagnant, and this can cause poor indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to respiratory issues such as asthma and lung disease.
How to Choose the Best Air Filters for Your Home
Air filters are one of the most important components of your HVAC system. Your unit’s performance is directly influenced by what air filters you choose and how well you maintain them.
Here is a breakdown of the main types of air filters for your home and how to choose the right one for you.
Types of Filters
Certain features and properties set apart different types of filters. To browse for air filters efficiently, you have to decide what kind of product your unit needs. Here’s what to keep in mind.
- The Size of the Filters – Make sure to accurately measure or check the size of the old filters on your HVAC system. Only go with what the manufacturer recommends, as filters that are incorrectly sized will not perform properly. Atypical openings will need air filters in special sizes and shapes, as trying to adjust a standard one yourself can render it inefficient.
- The Materials Used – The variety of materials and styles you can find can make your choice difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for. You might need a thicker and denser filter if you live in a house where more air is circulated. Most air filters are made out of fiberglass, as it’s one of the more affordable options. Eco-friendly materials are also available, especially for reusable filters that one can wash for maintenance.
- The Style – Two of the most commonly found styles of air filters are: pleated and honeycomb. Pleated filters have a bigger surface area to process the air, allowing the filter to catch more particles and circulate the air easier. In addition to the pleated style, these filters often have an electrostatic charge, which traps the particles and makes them stick to the filter. The honeycomb structure is mostly seen in more affordable filters. The honeycomb cells are made with paper fibers, fiberglass, or textile fibers, filtering the dirty air through the flutes.
The above characteristics are the very basics of air filters for your home. Here is more information that you can check when looking for air filters for your home.
The MERV Rating
The MERV rating system (an acronym for the minimum efficiency reporting value) is a 1 to 16 scale that shows how effective an air filter is in filtering out particles.
MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating)
MPR rates the filter’s ability to keep out nanoparticles from the air (particles with a circumference smaller than 1 micron. For people suffering from dust, mites, pollen allergies, a system with a high MPR can drastically change the quality of their life.
Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating
Whether your air filters are getting dirty too quickly, your system needs maintenance, or you are in need of any other HVAC service, our experienced HVAC technicians can help! Give us a call today!
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At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we pride ourselves on being a locally owned and operated HVAC company. With more than 30 years of experience and a master technician and mechanical engineer as our owner, we can replace, repair, and maintain your business or home’s HVAC system.
