It is better to purchase the inexpensive air filters, since they allow more air to flow through your HVAC system. The more expensive filters are much thicker and reduce the air flow through your HVAC system and make your HVAC system work harder. When your HVAC system has to work harder it is less efficient and will have a more difficult time to reach the desired temperature.

Every year I get several calls from tenants that their A/C or Heat is not working very well or their utility bill was very high. I have had HVAC service technicians literally call me back and say there was 2" of dirt accumulated on the air filter. This means the filter was probably not changed in the past year or more. This just smothers the system by reducing the air flow to the point where very little air is getting through. Just think how hard it would be to breathe through a pillow. The concept is basically the same.

Always remember to change your air filter(s) monthly to keep the HVAC system clean and so it breathes properly. Clean air filters will keep your electric bill lower too. Next time you at the hardware store just pick up a multipack of the inexpensive filters so you have extra filters on hand. The easy way to remember to change the air filter each month is to do it when the rent is due.

If you have any questions about your HVAC system, please feel free to contact me.

Jorge Gonzalez

Virginia Beach Property Management