Air filters are a necessity in our modern world, where pollutants from cars, factories, and power plants can make breathing difficult. But what do these small devices do? And how does it work? In this article, we’ll explore the function of an air filter-why it’s necessary, how it works and what kind of problems can arise if it malfunctions.
In order to understand why air filters are so important for us to have around the house or at work, you first need to know a little bit about what they’re used for. The purpose of an air filter is not only to keep dust particles out of your nose and lungs but also harmful gases like carbon monoxide that could cause serious health issues down the line. Air filters work by trapping dust particles and preventing them from entering your air supply, which helps keep the environment clean and prevents any complications. Once airborne pollutants enter our lungs and are absorbed by the body, they can cause damage to tissues, cells, and DNA, resulting in health problems like asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or even cancer.
1) How Often Should You Have Your Air Filter Replaced?
It’s important to change your air filter on a regular basis. If you’re using an electronic air cleaner, this would be every 3-4 months. For forced-air heating systems and central AC, it’ll depend on how often you use them (the more often they’re used, the shorter the life expectancy of the filter will be). It’s important to change air filters, as suggested at https://filterbuy.com/resources/how-often-do-i-really-need-to-change-my-hvac-filter/ because replacement keeps your appliances working properly and your energy bills low. Not only that, but the replacement can also keep you and your family safe by giving clean air to breathe.
2) What Causes Air Filters To Lose Their Efficiency?
Like anything else, dirt and grime will cause air filters to lose their efficiency over time. With regular use, they collect dust particles that clog up the filter, and it becomes harder for air to flow through. In time, this causes your AC or heater to work harder in order to keep the indoor air clean. If your air filter is already at maximum restriction (this can be determined by checking the manufacturer’s specifications), you might want to consider replacing it with a new/clean one.
3) Breathing In Dirty Air
All of that dust and dirt that’s getting stuck in your air filter isn’t just hanging around inside your unit. It’s being pushed into the rest of your home and is likely lingering in places you’ll breathe it in. These filters work hard to reduce the amount of dirty air going through them, but on a day-to-day basis, the air you breathe is also filtering through them. When they’re not changed regularly, the particles start to accumulate and create unnecessary health risks for you and your family.
4) Respiratory Problems
When your air filter is clogged with dirt particles, it can become a health concern; not only does this cause damage to your indoor heating/cooling unit and cause it to use more energy, but it will also lead to problems for you. Regularly breathing in dirty air will have an impact on the respiratory system and cause health problems. Asthma, respiratory issues, or other existing conditions can be exacerbated by dirty air filters because they’re not getting enough clean air to filter through.
5) How To Tell If Your Air Filter Needs Replacing?
You might hear noises coming out of your vents when there’s a problem with the air filter. A rattling or rattling sound might be a sign that it’s not working as efficiently as it should. You’ll also notice a decrease in airflow and the unit using more energy to push out less powerful airflow. This is happening because dirt particles are clogging up the filter and making it work twice as hard to push air through.
6) What Quality Air Filters Are Made Of?
There are many different kinds of filters on the market, such as electrostatic, which can trap a lot of dirt and particles. But if you’re in the market for a high-quality air filter, make sure it’s one that uses pleated materials made from polyester or fiberglass. This is what will keep your unit well-protected and reduce energy costs over time by trapping the dirty particles that get pushed into the rest of your home.
This article provided you with a simple guide that breaks down what exactly an air filter does and why it’s important to your health. Replacing your unit is just as important, but you’ll want to make sure you’re using high-quality filters in order to maximize their efficiency and minimize the amount of dirt and dust they push into the rest of your home.
