Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to all of your questions about our shopping site. See the most common topics, questions, and more.

Filters

+ HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SIZE AIR FILTER I NEED?
The filter dimensions should be printed on the frame of the filter, length x width x height. When shopping for a new filter, make sure you purchase one that is the same size, or it will not fit properly into the furnace filter cabinet.

+ WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON AIR FILTER SIZES?
Furnace filters come in a range of sizes, and different brands and types of furnaces use different filters. The most common furnace filter sizes are: 10 X 20, 14 X 20, 16 X 24, 18 X 30, 12 X 12, 14 X 24, 16 X 25, 20 X 20, 12 X 20, 14 X 25, 18 X 18, 20 X 24, 12 X 24, 14 X 30, 18 X 20, 20 X 25, 12 X 30, 15 X 20, 18 X 24, 20 X 30, 12 X 36, 16 X 20, 18 X 25, 4 X 24, and 25 X 25, and these sizes range in depth from 1 to 6 inches.

+ ARE ALL FILTERS THE SAME SIZE?
Furnace filters come in a range of sizes, and different brands and types of furnaces use different filters. The most common furnace filter sizes are: 10 X 20, 14 X 20, 16 X 24, 18 X 30, 12 X 12, 14 X 24, 16 X 25, 20 X 20, 12 X 20, 14 X 25, 18 X 18, 20 X 24, 12 X 24, 14 X 30, 18 X 20, 20 X 25, 12 X 30, 15 X 20, 18 X 24, 20 X 30, 12 X 36, 16 X 20, 18 X 25, 4 X 24, and 25 X 25, and these sizes range in depth from 1 to 6 inches.

+ WHAT IF MY FILTER SIZE IS NOT LISTED ON YOUR SHOPPING WEBSITE?
If the filter size you need is not listed on our shopping website, simply call us at 515-657-6634 to get a custom quote directly from our parts department.

+ CAN A TECHNICIAN COME TO MY HOME AND INSTALL THE FILTER?
Yes, of course! Give us a call at 515-657-6634 to schedule a time for one of our highly skilled technicians to come to your home.

+ HOW CAN I TELL THAT MY FILTER NEEDS TO BE CHANGED?
Signs your furnace filter needs changing:
– The filter is noticeably gray in color, and you can see dirt and dust built up on the filter media.
– Your home is dustier than usual.
– Your heating or cooling system is cycling longer than it usually does.
– Your current filter has been in use longer than the manufacturer’s recommendation (anywhere from one to six months, depending on your filter).

+ HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY FURNACE FILTER?
The frequency of filter changes needed will depend on the recommendations of the filter’s manufacturer, its efficiency, your HVAC system use, and the characteristics of your household.
– Filters with low MERV ratings will need to change more frequently than high-efficiency filters.
– Check your filter’s packaging to see how often the manufacturer recommends replacing the filter with a new one.
– Furnace filters typically require more frequent changes during periods where your HVAC system is in use more often. During the peak of summer and middle of winter, your air conditioner and furnace are running more than they are during spring and fall, so more air is passing through the filter and more contaminants are being removed. It’s a smart practice to check your filter monthly during periods of high system use and replace it as you notice buildup.

+ WHY CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTER?
The furnace filter is a key player in home comfort and indoor air quality. Changing your furnace filter regularly offers the following benefits for homeowners:
– Better system performance: The furnace filter is an integral component of your heating and cooling system. When the furnace filter is dirty and clogged with contaminants, air cannot circulate properly through the system. This can cause breakdowns and overheat. A clean, regularly changed air filter allows air to move properly through your system and keeps out contaminants, keeping your equipment healthier.
– Better comfort: If a clogged air filter doesn’t allow air to circulate through your HVAC system properly, it is also restricted from entering your home. A dirty air filter can limit the amount of conditioned air moving into your home, causing discomfort.
– Better energy efficiency: A dirty furnace filter burdens your system in the ways mentioned above. Components are working harder, meaning they are drawing more energy to do the work – with a clean air filter, less energy is consumed, making your heating and cooling systems more efficient.
– Better indoor air quality: Your furnace filter removes airborne contaminants, pulling them from the air before it circulates back to your living areas. If your filter is dirty, it will be unable to capture contaminants properly, so more will be left in the air you breathe. Airborne contaminants can cause health and allergy issues, as well as make your home appear dirtier.

+ IS A FURNACE FILTER WASHABLE OR SHOULD IT BE REPLACED?
Not all filters are washable, and if yours isn’t, you should replace it on a regular schedule. Your filter should indicate on the filter itself or the packaging whether it’s a disposable or washable filter. If you aren’t sure if your filter is washable or replaceable, call 515-657-6634 and speak with our support team.

If your furnace filter has a MERV rating between 1 and 4, it could be a washable filter. A washable filter is typically made of nylon weave or plastic mesh material. They are effective at catching larger particles but won’t catch pet dander or particles that are small. Washable filters require maintenance once a month to keep your heating system running at its highest efficiency. Washable filters are more expensive than disposable filters, but they last for several years before they need to be replaced.

Replaceable filters generally have a paper or cardboard frame around them. They also offer higher MERV ratings compared to washable filters. Unlike a washable filter, replaceable or disposable filters don’t require as much maintenance. You don’t have to replace the filter once a month but can wait longer between changes and still experience efficient performance from your HVAC system. Replaceable filters are inexpensive compared to washable filters, but you will purchase several new ones in the course of one year.

+ HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ORDERING THE RIGHT FILTER?
When you buy a new filter, you want to try and match up a new one to your current filter. Check the brand, dimensions, and MERV rating of the filter already installed in your system. Some filters may even have the part number you need labeled on them.

Filter sizing can be complicated because of its actual size versus nominal sizing. For example, a 16x25x4 filter doesn’t actually measure to that exactly and may actually measure 15-1/2″ x 24-1/4″ x 3-3/4″. Both measurements are usually printed on filters and sometimes people actually measure filters. If you’re unsure which filter size to order, please give us a call at 515-657-6634 and we’ll be glad to help direct you to the correct size you need.

Once you have determined what filter you need, you can order your replacement filter online with shopservicelegends.com.

+ WHAT DOES MERV RATING MEAN?
A quality air filter should have a MERV rating labeled either on the filter or the packaging. The MERV rating stands for the minimum efficiency reporting value and indicates the filter’s ability to capture particles while filtering smaller particulates from your indoor air. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles are trapped and eliminated from your home. The downside, to a MERV rating that is too high, is that the airflow is reduced slightly compared to an average rating.

Decide on the MERV rating you need based on your current indoor air quality and the efficiency of your system. If your airflow is already reduced, installing a MERV 13 filter might not be the best option if you want to reduce your energy costs. There are several good quality air filters to choose from that offer excellent filtering options without compromising your unit’s airflow.

+ HOW TO CHANGE MICROPARTICLE SHIELD FILTERS?
Our highly trained technicians at Service Legends are always here to help you change out your Microparticle Shield Filter.

+ HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO REPLACE HEPA FILTERS?
A good general rule of thumb for most HEPA filters is to change them at least once every six months, mainly if the filter contains carbon.

However, some filters can go for as long as two years without needing to be changed. If you are unsure about how often do HEPA filters need to be replaced, remember that you have nothing to lose by playing it safe and changing your filter at least twice a year.

You can and should also change your filter if you notice any of the “warning signs” that your filter needs to be replaced. The tell-tale signs that you need to replace your HEPA filter are the following: the filter is visibly dirty or clogged; your appliances take a longer time to function; you hear the whirring sound of appliances when they are on (air conditioning system, vacuum cleaner, etc.); you notice a significant change in the appliances’ efficiency.

Club Membership

+ WHAT IS A CLUB MEMBERSHIP?
By becoming a Member of the Legion of Loyalty with Service Legends, you are taking proactive steps to prepare for any HVAC issue or breakdown.

Our Service Legends Loyalty Benefits go above and beyond to eliminate your stress by offering priority service in the event of a breakdown and regular maintenance to increase the life of your system.

Our Home Comfort Heroes are right on the other side of the phone to come to the rescue in the event of an emergency in the middle of the night.

Our trusted and certified technicians will routinely visit your home and check, inspect, test, clean and measure all of the essential components of your air conditioner and furnace. 

This will reduce the risk of costly breakdowns, increase efficiency and decrease energy costs.

+ WHAT DOES A CLUB MEMBERSHIP OFFER?
Club members get access to priority emergency services and so much more! For a full list of benefits, please give us a call at 515-657-6634 to learn more about our Legion of Loyalty program.

+ ARE THERE VARIOUS CLUB MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS?
Yes, we offer three different club membership packages to choose from. Learn more.