Latest Info on Air Filters
Air filters are an integral, but more often under-appreciated component of a principal HVAC system. They are designed to filter out bits of pollen and dust which are believed to circulate around the home and causes the air quality indoors to be poor. Air filters also act as the first line of defense against bigger objects. One example of these are pieces of loose insulation which are pulled into the system where they could pose a fire risk or cause damage.
Changing air filters regularly is important not only for preventing a function failure of your HVAC system but also for your own personal benefits. Understand that every bit of air that is handled by the HVAC system has to pass through the air filter one way or another. When this happens, the filter catches different kinds of particles that pollute your home such as fabric fibers, dust, pet dander, mold and fungal pollen. Over time, this causes the fine mesh which is where the air passes through to become denser. When you don't change your air filter regularly, it makes the air unable to pass through readily.
Here are the top four reasons why you need to change your air filter regularly.
1. It improves air quality.
Changing your air filter regularly helps in improving the air quality in your home. Imagine a home that's free from allergens in the air. If you have allergies, air filters can minimize irritations which is highly beneficial in such cases.
2. It makes your house cleaner.
Reduce the volume of dust and hair on your floors, shelves, and more by changing your air filter regularly. As more dust gets caught in your air filter, there's less of it that stays in your house. This means you spend less time and energy when you need to clean the house. Furthermore, dusting and using a vacuum frequently causes less buildup in your air filters.
3. It improves your health.
Having indoor air that's cleaner and free from impurities can help improve asthma and allergies. If you experience certain conditions such as itchy nose, difficulty breathing, and congestion, you may opt to change your air filters more often. You can also consider installing a home filtration system.
4. It improves the efficiency of your HVAC system.
When you change your air filter regularly, your HVAC system becomes more efficient in its performance. It helps in making the system to last longer while decreasing its need for maintenance. Moreover, it allows you to save money on your energy bill.
The Importance of Air Filters
Air filters, as the name implies, filter your air. They are the key component of a home’s air filtration and purification system. They aid in maintaining healthy indoor air quality by helping remove certain airborne contaminants that are commonly found in your home’s air supply. These can include dirt, mold, dust, animal fur, bacteria or other microorganisms. Apart from keeping dust and pollen out, they also aid in keeping larger particles from entering your HVAC system, thereby protecting it from being damaged.
In time, this act of filtering clogs your system which results in having dirty air filters. Clogged filters push your system to work harder and use up more energy. This leads to higher utility costs due to poorer air quality since areas at home are not getting their needed airflow. As a result, your home’s level of comfort is reduced. If the situation continues and your air filter is left unchanged or neglected, it will cause your system to overheat or freeze up. It is therefore recommended that air filters are changed regularly, at least every 90 days.
Most homes have only one air filter. If you have a bigger home that has more than one unit, you will need a filter for each. Normally, home improvement shops sell multipacks of air filters in standard sizes. They also come in several MERV ratings. Whatever size or type you use at home, remember that all air filters are made to fill those main purposes.
The Top 3 Benefits of Air Filters at Home
1. It reduces the presence of dust.
Air filters prevent dust and debris from accumulating on the mechanical areas of your air conditioning and heating system. Pleated filters designed with high efficiency come with a large surface area which allows them to have a considerable level of dust-holding ability. These pleated filters trap and control several grams of dust, blocking it from blowing through your duct system to work back into the air that you’re breathing before it settles on your home’s surfaces. It is recommended that a minimum MERV rating of 8 is needed on a home air filter which is enough to control the level of dust on average.
2. It protects your HVAC system.
In order to maintain your system and ensure that it will function well for as long as you want it to, is by using an air filter that fits properly as well as one that is changed regularly. When your air filter is properly maintained, your home can enjoy a suitable circulation rate of airflow, making it easier for you to adjust your HVAC system’s hot or cool settings to your desired temperature. With regular maintenance, your HVAC system is protected from dust build-up particularly on parts such as the motor, fan blade, coil, ductwork and vents.
3. It improves indoor air quality.
It’s important for anyone to maintain a good indoor air quality at home since on average, a person spends 90 percent of his time in indoor spaces. Compared to the outdoor level, indoor spaces have concentrations of pollutants that are 2 to 5 times higher. If anyone at home is suffering from severe allergies and is sensitive to certain contaminants and particulates, maintaining a good indoor air quality should be a priority.