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?
Nick was a great technician to work with. He accurately assessed my problem and found a solution that will help keep my unit functioning without continued problems. Great and knowledgeable company.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Amond! We're glad to hear that Nick was able to provide you with a great solution and appreciate your kind words about our company.
Fast professional and curtious. I am so happy with the work and the energy
Response from the owner: Thank you, Richard! We're grateful for your kind words and glad to hear you appreciated the work and energy of our team.
Very quick to respond, and easy to work with. Replaced our furnace on a short timeline.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Brian, for your kind words! We're glad we could assist you quickly with your furnace replacement and make the process easy for you.
Super fast service and totally fixed the problem. Came out when no one self would.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Barbara, for your kind words and for recognizing our fast service; we're glad we could solve the problem when others couldn't.
Great service and price. Quick response
Response from the owner: Thank you, Bernard, for your kind words about our service and pricing; we appreciate your feedback and are glad you received a quick response!
The service man came out as requested. I called at night and he was here at 8:AM.He figured out the problem and had it fixed within the hour.Very courteous and efficient.JGold
Response from the owner: Thank you, Joan, for your kind words. We're glad the technician was able to help you so quickly and efficiently. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
Service was great
Response from the owner: Thank you, Chat! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed the service, and we appreciate your kind words.
Service was quick and professional, got our heat pump back up and working in a couple hours. Thank you!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Jake. We're glad to hear the service was quick and professional, and that your heat pump is up and running again!
Our furnace decided to stop working at 11pm on a Friday right before a bad winter storm. They took my call that night and had a tech (Duraid) out by 9am the next day and had us all fixed up within 15 minutes! Fantastic customer service. Thank you!!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Nicki! We appreciate your kind words and are glad Duraid could get your furnace up and running so quickly before the storm. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
Thomas Hoffmann always does a great job in servicing our HVAC. Installed a new system last and it’s working great and very efficient. Nick goes above and beyond when servicing and answers all my questions. Highly recommend Thomas Hoffmann Air conditioning & Heating.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Nancy, for your kind words! We're glad to hear that you're satisfied with your new system and appreciate Nick's dedication to great service. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
They were professional and got my hot water back on. And I'm happy about that.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Pamela, for your kind words! We're glad our team was able to restore your hot water and meet your expectations.
Had a water pump leak and they were out the very next day to repair!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Andrew, for your kind words! We're glad we could quickly help with your water pump leak. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
Great service and was very prompt. Service person was courteous
Response from the owner: Thank you, Mary, for your kind words about our service and the courtesy of our team; we appreciate your feedback!
Called at 5:50 on a Friday hoping to get an appt for next week. Guy on the line listened to my problem, diagnosed the problem over facetime, and gave me instructions as to how to change the filter on my unit with no problem at all. Fixed the problem and I didn't even have to pay a cent for it! I'll definitely be coming back here when we run into ore substantial maintenance problems.
Response from the owner: Thank you, James, for sharing your experience! We're glad our team member could assist you effectively and that you found the solution without any cost. We look forward to helping you with any future maintenance needs!
Awesome job! Nick was great. Prices are reasonable and well explained what I’m paying for and what work needs to be done.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Mitchell! We're glad to hear you had a great experience with Nick and that you found our pricing clear and reasonable. Your feedback means a lot to us!
Always professional, always on time and good value for the work that they do!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Jan, for your kind words about our professionalism and value; we truly appreciate your support!
As always, the Hoffmann technician 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!
My neighbor referred these guys to me when had water heater problem. Previous company told me I needed to replace it. Tom’s technician fixed it for less than $200. This was over 2 years ago and have been using their service ever since. They are very trustworthy.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Mary, for sharing your experience and for trusting us with your water heater issue; we're glad our technician could help and that you've continued to rely on our services!
Nick Hoffman was amazing! He came out same day when our heat suddenly went out. He took the time to describe the problem and expertly fixed and tested it! Will definitely be recommending them. Thanks.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Matt! We're so glad to hear about your positive experience with Nick and that he was able to help you promptly. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Job well done. The technician was competent and polite and knowledgeable. We'll have him back in the spring, honest company.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Laurel, for your kind words about our technician's competence and knowledge; we look forward to serving you again in the spring!
Realized my furnace stopped working late last night and forecast called for very cold arctic air blast. Called my regular HVAC company that advertises 24 hour service to find that after 7 PM, there is only an answering service. Same with two more “24 hour service” companies. Then I called Thomas Hoffmann HVAC Company and Nick quickly answered, listened to my issue, gave me a quote and was on his way. Nick arrived soon, completely checked out my furnace, found the problem and did the repair. Because the problem was fairly minor, he even gave me an unexpected and very appreciated discount. Nick was professional, competent, and very engaging. Best emergency, after-hours experience I’ve ever had. Nick saved the day and gave me the peace of mind I needed.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Richard, for sharing your experience; we're glad Nick could provide you with prompt and professional service during such a challenging time. Your kind words mean a lot to us!
Nick was great he was prompt and very patient in explaining the problems with our system and the steps we would take to solve them.I highly recommend using Thomas Hoffman Air Conditioning and Heating!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Benjamin, for your wonderful feedback about Nick's promptness and patience; we appreciate your recommendation of Thomas Hoffman Air Conditioning and Heating!
Nick was friendly, professional and knowledgeable, he did an awesome job!!
Response from the owner: Thank you for recognizing Nick's friendliness, professionalism, and knowledge - we're glad you had an awesome experience!
Great customer service! Very knowledgeable
Response from the owner: Thank you, Rob! We're glad you had a great experience and appreciate your kind words about our knowledgeable team.
Furnace would not blow heat on Friday night and after leaving a few messages to several companies, Mr Hoffman called me back quickly and did a service call. Diagnosed the issue and was able to fix the problem. Will need a new unit soon, but nice not be without heat during the holidays! Quote and Invoice receipt done on the spot and detailed! Will use again for sure.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Heath, for your kind words! We're glad Mr. Hoffmann could get your furnace working in time for the holidays and provide a detailed quote and invoice. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to helping you again in the future!
Fast, friendly and very cooperative.
Response from the owner: Thank you, John, for your kind words; we're glad you had a great experience with our team!
Excellent! Highly recommended
Response from the owner: Udis, we truly appreciate your recommendation!
Thomas he was prompt and was great getting us up and running. He was awesome
Response from the owner: Thank you, Tom, for your kind words about OUR Tom; we're glad to hear he helped you get up and running smoothly!😊
I was referred via home advisors. And I was so worried about the cost and the distance but Nick came and found my problem and fixed my problem and if I could I would shout-out to the world this is a honest and good company to hire. As a landlord over the road of 5 homes. I can call this company and trust that they will do the job and be honest. And I will not have to pay extra fees or be given a 3 week appointment Just because it's rental property. This is my go to company and I strongly recommend this company.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Annie, for your wonderful feedback! We're so glad to hear that Nick was able to address your concerns and provide you with the honest service you deserve. Your trust means the world to us, and we appreciate your strong recommendation!
Called Thomas Hoffmann HVAC and received service very quickly. Regular winter maintenance was provided. They always do a great job.Really appreciate their service and would recommend to anyone in kirkwood!
Response from the owner: Thank you for choosing Thomas Hoffmann HVAC! We're glad we could promptly address and resolve your HVAC issue. Appreciate your recommendation!
Punctual / friendly / great service !!Highly recommend!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Mike! We're so glad you had such a positive experience with our technicians—your recommendation means a lot to us!
Having Nick come to our aid was a great experience and he offered followup assistance with the fancy technology part of the appliance if we need it. We will call him again if the need arises. Merry Christmas.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Marilyn! We're glad to hear that Nick was able to assist you and provide follow-up support. We appreciate your trust in us and wish you a Merry Christmas!
These guys are pros.Techs are friendly, listen and explain what they are doing.Office staff is responsive.Fast service....
Response from the owner: Thank you, Clark, for your kind words! We're glad to hear our techs and office staff made your experience a great one. Your feedback 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!
My AC unit was located on the ground in a very undesirable area; in the direct path of my neighbor’s downspout. Sent pics to Thomas, got a reasonable estimate to raise the unit off the ground and bolt it to my foundation. The work was completed cleanly and efficiently at a very reasonable price! Extremely satisfied with their work!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Diane, for your wonderful 5-star rating; we appreciate your support!
Notified me of expected arrival time and then again when he was on his way and was exactly on time! Nick was very personable and trustworthy.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Maureen. We're glad to hear that Nick kept you informed and made your experience enjoyable!
Thomas Hoffmann AC & Heating was wonderful to work with. They arrived on time, diagnosed the issue and got the work done fast. I would recommend Thomas Hoffmann AC & Heating to anyone.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Adam, for your kind words and recommendation; we're glad to hear you had a great experience with our team!
Tom and his team helped us select a great 2nd unit for our first floor. Installation went smoothly and it looks great. Cheers!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Immy! We're glad Tom and the team could assist you in finding the perfect unit and that the installation went smoothly. Enjoy your new space!
Arrived early in the time window quoted. Zach is a thorough tech and discovered an issue I had suspected. Able to quickly get the part and fix the issue. Great company to work with. The communication before the appointment is outstanding. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Dale, for your wonderful feedback! We're glad Zach could assist you effectively, and we appreciate your kind words about our communication and service.
Excellent Service. Thank you Zackery
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words, Buzz! It was a pleasure assisting you.
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!
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 in 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 provide maintenance for your business or home’s HVAC system.
