Austin's average relative humidity hovers around 65 percent, creating ideal conditions for mold spore proliferation. When a clogged filter traps moisture against the evaporator coil, mold grows on the filter media and spreads into the ductwork. This is compounded by our cedar pollen season, which dumps millions of pollen grains per cubic meter into the air from December through February. A standard pleated filter can become 80 percent occluded within three weeks during peak cedar season, forcing your blower to work against restricted airflow and driving up your electric bill. Regular air filter changing service is not cosmetic in Austin, it is a defense against mold growth and system strain.
Austin's building codes, enforced by the City of Austin Development Services Department, require minimum MERV 8 filtration for new residential construction. Many HVAC contractors meet this requirement with the cheapest fiberglass filter available, leaving homeowners with subpar air quality. All Pro HVAC Austin works with local builders, property managers, and homeowners who understand that code-minimum is not the same as optimal. We apply the same rigor to filter selection that we apply to load calculations and duct design, ensuring your system performs efficiently while meeting the specific air quality challenges of Central Texas.
