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Air Filter Maintenance: 5 Things You Should Be Doing

Importance of air filters

By Martins StraumePublished 3 years ago 5 min read
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Air filters are not only efficient at improving indoor air quality. When used properly they can help keep your air conditioning and heating units running smoothly. Here are some tips that will help you maintain your filters and indoor comfort.

What are air filters made out of?

There are different types of air filters but typically they are made of fiberglass material or pleated paper or cloth that is encased in a cardboard frame. Fiberglass air filters are the least expensive and least restrictive to airflow. But while they capture dust and lint easily, they are not as great at filtering out smaller particles. For this reason, they need to be replaced more often. And for customers who are environmentally conscious, you may not want to buy a product that is not recyclable.

Pleated air filters capture more particles than fiberglass filters because they have more surface area from being folded so many times. But that also means that they restrict airflow a lot more than their fiberglass counterparts. So while pleated air filters catch more debris, such as bacteria and pollen, they are a little more expensive and can make your air conditioning unit work a lot harder than it needs to if you buy the wrong type. Because it takes more effort to push air through these filters you will need to be sure that the air filter you purchase is compatible with your unit blower. A qualified HVAC and air filter specialist can assist you in choosing the right product for your unit.

1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly

Depending on your home habits, needs, and the type of filter you buy, you will need to change your air filter every one to six months. A couple that doesn’t smoke has no pets and doesn’t suffer from allergies can go as long as 6 months with a fiberglass filter, whereas a family of four with big dogs and an asthmatic child might be replacing theirs every 1-2 months. It’s important to change your filters at regular intervals, depending on your needs.

2. Get A Professional Inspection Done

One of the best things you can do for your HVAC system is to have it checked regularly by a certified technician for the brand you own. A lot of problems that develop in units may start small but are detectable to professionals with a trained eye. When one part stops working properly, then it puts a strain on the other parts of the system. An HVAC technician can let you know if any parts are worn, moldy, or must be replaced. Generally, repairs will cost less when you are only replacing one faulty part rather than a larger, systematic problem.

3. Check Before Buying

Buying the wrong filter can actually make it less effective and could even damage your air conditioning system. Filter performance is measured by a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value or Merv rating. This rating was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The higher the MERV value, the better the air filter is at filtering out specific kinds of particles.

The fiberglass and aluminum mesh filters are the lowest on the MERV rating scale, between one and four, and can’t remove dust mites, pollen, spray paint, and carpet fibers. Filters with a MERV rating between five and seven can filter out mold spores, cooking smoke, hairspray, and furniture polish. These filters are also typically inexpensive disposable filters and suitable for home use. Filters that are a little more expensive but can filter out lead dust, flour, and welding, and auto fumes have MERV ratings between 11 and 13. You might be thinking that these would be the best for your home, but remember that the tighter the weave and the fibers, the harder it is for air to get through your filter. This can make your system work a lot harder than it needs to and can actually lead it to break down.

So, while you do want to filter out harmful particles, you also need to make sure that the filter is compatible with your system and that you’re changing it out at the correct intervals so it does not get clogged.

4. Know The Signs Of Needing To Change Your Filter

Signs that you need to change your air filter include:

  • Your electricity bill goes up unexpectedly: If your air filter is clogged up with particulates, then it is going to require much more energy to heat and cool your home. If you notice that your utility bill has increased, then change your filter and see if that fixes the problem.
  • Your allergies or a family member’s allergies have gotten worse: A dirty air filter cannot improve the quality of air in your home the way it used to, and this can impact your health or the health of your loved ones.
  • Unpleasant smells linger a little longer: If your home has a musty or moldy smell, then it may be because dirt, pet dander, and other particulates that can cause smells are not being filtered out of the air properly. Fortunately, simply changing your air filter can reduce these unpleasant odors and make your house smell fresh again.
  • You see visible dirt: If you take a peek at your air filter and see a thick surface of dirt, then it is time to call filter king.

Wash Your Disposable Filters According To The Instructions

Cleaning your air filter is an important part of keeping your system functioning properly. And regularly and properly washing them according to this air filter cleaning guide can save you lots of money and time. In order to protect your air filter, use a gentle brush and mild detergent when washing.

Be sure to speak to a reliable air filter provider so that you can buy the filters that will work best in your home, and so you can ask any questions you may have about maintenance. And as always, if you change the air filter but still have problems, then call an HVAC technician to service your unit.

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