When should your home's Air Filter be changed?

It's easy to increase the energy efficiency of your HVAC system by changing your air filters. It's also one of the simplest and most important things you can do to keep your family and HVAC system healthy.

Although replacing an air filter is a simple chore, many homeowners need help, leading to high energy expenses, unforeseen maintenance issues, malfunctions, etc.

What is the suggested interval between air filter replacements?

We suggest changing your filter once a month if you run your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner daily. If you don't mind spending additional money, you can replace your filters every few weeks to ensure the best possible air quality. If you don't use your HVAC system daily or during milder seasons, you can replace the filter every two to three months.

It's advisable to switch out your filters more frequently.

Whatever you do, don't put off changing your air filter for too long, and remember that your HVAC system needs regular upkeep.

In this article, we'll go over some basic HVAC experts' advice on the following:

• The Necessity for Often Changing Filters

• Effects of dirty air filters

• kind of air filters

The Necessity for Often Changing Filters

The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America claims indoor air quality is as important as outdoor air quality (AAFA). Even though most people agree that there may be dangerous pollutants in the air outside, indoor air can often be worse.

Air filters are the first defense against dust, pet dander, mold, bacteria, and other dangerous pollutants in your home's air. They are necessary to keep your HVAC system operating properly.

• If you have asthma or allergies, changing your filter every six weeks is critical since people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems are more vulnerable to airborne particulates than people without these conditions. Dust mites, mold spores, pollen, and pet dander can make breathing inside the home difficult for those with asthma or allergies.

• If you have pets: Heavy pet hair and fur shedding, especially as the seasons change, can aggravate allergy symptoms. We suggest changing your air filters more frequently if you have pets.

• Have you got kids? Children under five are much more susceptible to poor air quality than adults. Given that their immune systems are still developing, children under five need clean air in their homes.

Effects of dirty Air Filters

Did you know that clogged air filters are the most typical cause of HVAC system failure? As a result of unclean air filters, your HVAC system may face some problems, including:

• Higher energy costs: When the air filter is obstructed, the HVAC system's blower fan must work harder to move air. As your HVAC system works harder, your home will use more energy and have higher monthly electric rates.

• When air can't move easily through the filter, your living rooms may need more air. This makes the temperature in your home uneven, making you and your family less comfortable.

• System overheating or freezing: Because the cooled or heated air cannot escape as easily, your HVAC system runs the risk of freezing or overheating. The temperature inside your home won't change, but because your system is working harder, your power bill can be the same or even higher.

• Dirty ducts: If your air filters are clogged, the air won't move as quickly, so contaminants may build up in your ducts instead of being sucked into the system and cleaned. Changing your air filter is much easier and less expensive than having your ducts professionally cleaned. If your ducts are clean, your system might work better, and more contaminants might enter your air supply.

kind of air filters

• Certain air filters gather dirt more quickly than others; not all air filters are created equal.

• Media filters, pleated filters, and thin fiberglass filters are the three main types of air filters.

• Thin fiberglass filters are often either blue or green in hue and made of light fiberglass. These filters will remove lint, dust, and pet hair but let microscopic particles like pollen, allergens, dust mites, bacteria, and other micro allergens through. Even though you shouldn't use this type of filter, you must replace it after 30 days.

• Pleated filters have an accordion-style shape with a cardboard frame and are made of cotton or polyester-blend fabric. These filters are more effective at capturing microscopic particles than fiberglass filters. Nonetheless, the large object occasionally obstructs airflow. Occasionally, these filters may cause your system to work harder and use more energy, costing you more energy expenditures and system maintenance. As a result of the organic materials used to make these filters (cotton, paper, and cardboard), bacteria, fungi, algae, and other microorganisms also flourish there. These filters must be changed every 30 to 60 days.

The airflow is maintained through media filters while the smallest particles are filtered out. They use a special three-layer filtration system to catch big and small particles without stopping airflow. Most media filters are antimicrobial, so they stop the growth of mold, mildew, fungi, and algae that could be harmful. Media filters must be updated every 60 to 90 days.