The air filter in your home is an important part of keeping your indoor air clean and healthy. The more dust and debris that is trapped in the air filter, the less there will be in your home. Regularly changing your air filter can help reduce dust, pet hair, and other pollutants from entering the air ducts and returning to the house, improving air quality. It's important to check your air filter once a month and change it every three months, depending on the type of filter you have.
Some filters need to be washed once a month, while others need to be replaced once a year. Compared to other DIY home improvement projects, changing air filters is a quick and easy process that can be done in less than an hour. Unfortunately, many homeowners are unaware of how often air filters need to be replaced, leaving their system vulnerable to damage. Read on to learn when and how to change your air filter for optimal performance.
When you replace your air filter regularly, you can reduce emissions and help extend the longevity of your HVAC system. Clean filters prevent dirt, dust, and pet hair from entering the air ducts and returning to the house, reducing air quality. Without a clean air filter, your HVAC unit works harder and is prone to more breakdowns. When you combine an energy-efficient HVAC system with high-quality air filters and change them regularly, you benefit both the environment and your pocket.
Regularly replacing your air filter helps reduce the risk of indoor air pollutants by reducing or eliminating them altogether. Not only do dirty air filters not work to clean the air, but all those nasty particles trapped are in your HVAC system. Regular home maintenance should include inspecting and replacing air filters every one to three months. When filters are replaced every 90 days or sooner, depending on the use of the unit, a chain reaction occurs.
With regular maintenance and replacement of air filters, you can avoid unnecessary damage to your unit. When you schedule regular HVAC maintenance, the air filter is replaced as part of the maintenance package. Make sure your unit is in good working order, including a clean air filter, before reheating. In addition, the EPA states that some MERV 12 filters and most MERV 13 filters are almost as effective as HEPA filters in reducing airborne particulates related to adverse health effects.
