Air filters are used to ensure warm or cool air distributed by an HVAC system doesn’t have any harmful particles that can cause problems later. Depending on the quality of the filter, it’s capable of capturing harmful fibers, mold, dirt, dust, dander, or pollen. Additionally, other debris like tiny bits of plastic, wood splinters or metallic shavings are captured by quality air filters. In this article, we will discuss why using clean filters is important for HVAC system operations and your health.
How Often Should You Replace Your Filter?
The frequency at which you replace your air filters depends on quality. Cheaper, fiberglass filters need to be replaced every 1 to 2 months, depending on the needs of your home. On the other hand, premium pleated filters can be replaced every 3 to 6 months, because they have more space to trap and hold filtered particles.
It is important to replace your air filter regularly so it doesn’t become clogged. Clogs prevents the filters from working properly, allowing unfiltered air back into the home. You may notice this when the air suddenly starts to become stuffier than before.
To ensure a ready supply of replacement filters for your HVAC system, consider FilterBuy as your main supplier. They have filters to fit many different HVAC makes and models to ensure your home’s air supply remains clean and breathable. As a bonus, all filters sold there are pleated filters, which capture more particles and are replaced less often than fiberglass filters.
What About Pet Owners?
Pets regularly shed their fur, and their dander can cause problems for their owners. It will certainly find its way into the home’s air supply and remain there unless it gets actively filtered out. Whilst some dog species shed fur more than other species, it is the overall buildup of fur and dander that becomes a larger problem when not addressed.
It’s also worth pointing out that with pets at home, changing out air filters is even more important. Filters are likely to get filled up much sooner (depending on your pet) with a noticeable dip in air quality. Therefore, plan to replace fiberglass air filters every 3-4 weeks when accounting for pets. Similarly, replacing pleated filters every 3 months instead of every 6 months will work best for your home.
How Often Should You Clean And Service Your Air Filters?
Cleaning used air filters is not recommended, as they are made from special materials that are very difficult to clean successfully. The collected matter tends to stick stubbornly to the grid-like design preventing adequate cleaning.
There’s also a risk to using cleaning materials on old filters in attempts to make them new. Any remnants of cleaning materials can get into your home’s air supply when the filter is refitted. Anyone who has allergies will find this less than desirable.
The cost of filters is inexpensive and simply part of the running cost of a good HVAC system. Along with the servicing expenses, it should always be budgeted for accordingly.
What Happens When You Don’t Have Clean Air Filters?
When filters are not replaced enough, the fan’s motor must work much harder to successfully push air through the filtration system. With an insufficient amount of air is being passed through the system will pushes the motor for longer. The added pressure on the motor adds to the wear and tear on it. Replacing an overworked motor is expensive and inconvenient, to say the least.
It’s been suggested by the U.S. Department of Energy that forgetting to change air filters on HVAC systems leads to wasted energy. By their estimate, between 5 to 15 percent of energy is wasted with overworked HVAC systems trying to deal with clogged filters.
Conclusion
While we like to get outdoors, most Americans spend much of their non-working time indoors. This is evermore the case with the prevalence of online shopping and home deliveries now being the norm. Due to this, the air quality is even more important than ever as it’s likely that the filters are being given more to do compared to in years’ past.
Ultimately, for large homes and spaces where individuals spend a lot of time indoors, it makes sense to install an HVAC system. It provides excellent heating, cooling, and a filtration. The filtration system will capture stale air, extract it, and replace it for you automatically, so you don’t need to open any windows or doors for fresh air. This will make your home feel fresh and inviting all year round.