Change filters to improve HVAC efficiency

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jasmine Reif
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 56th Civil Engineer Squadron advises Thunderbolts to change their heating, ventilation and air conditioning filter monthly to maintain system efficiency.

As the temperatures rise in Arizona, the numbers of service calls for air conditioners freezing up increases.

According to Airman Oleksandr Bakuta, 56th CES HVAC mechanic, changing filters also decreases health-related issues concerning indoor air quality.

"Regular maintenance keeps equipment running smoothly and reduces energy costs by keeping motor amperages to their normal levels resulting in lower energy costs," Airman Bakuta said. "If a buildup of dust is allowed (on the filter), you reduce system efficiency, increase energy consumption, increase levels of particulates floating in the air we breathe and there is a higher potential for allergens to stay airborne."

Changing the filters will reduce the number of airborne particles that are unseen by the naked eye.

"Filters reduce the number of airborne particles to include airborne diseases," said Airman 1st Class Richard Dietz, 56th CES HVAC mechanic. "They also catch hair, dead skin and germs."

If the filters are not changed on a regular basis, the previously mentioned items can lodge themselves inside your ductwork and HVAC system and increase problems associated with indoor air quality," he added.

Studies have shown that indoor air quality is worse than outdoors.

"Changing your filters will help reverse this cycle, giving you and your family cleaner air," Airman Bakuta said. "Higher grade filters also trap more particles."

The self-help center carries the correct filters for base housing units. Housing occupants are authorized to receive one filter per month.

Self-help personnel, located at Balfour Beatty Communities in Bldg. 1368 on Kachina Road, are available to help housing residents with filter change procedures.

The self-help center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about filters, call self-help at (623) 935-2676 or stop by during hours of operation.