Air filters are something that you need to replace regularly. Those who own dogs or live in apartments should be aware of this. Thankfully, there are several measures you may take to avoid having to cope with bad air quality.
Replace your air filter every two months
If you live with pets, you understand how crucial it is to maintain clean indoor air. Pets expel smells, dust, and other particles. An air filter will eventually get clogged by these things. To preserve the air quality in your house, it is essential to change an air filter at least twice a year.
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is failing to replace their air filters. It can lead to increased maintenance costs and lower energy efficiency. Failing to change your air filters can also affect your household’s health.
The recommended frequency for replacing your air filter depends on many factors. Some of these include the size of your home, the number of occupants, the type of filters you use, and the air quality in your area.
You should replace your air filter more frequently if you have kids or live in a large family home. If you are single or don’t have pets, you may only need to change your air filter once or twice a year.
Consider a washable or reusable filter
There are two main types of air filters, reusable and disposable. The reusable type is typically made of dense filter material, allowing continuous use. However, the reusable filter is usually less effective at capturing small particles, such as dust or pollen.
Alternatively, you can buy an electrostatic air filter that is more effective at trapping smaller items. These are available in a limited number of premade sizes. You can purchase these from any air filter supplier Richmond or get a customized version.
A washable or reusable air filter will save you money in the long run. Typically, they can last for a couple of years, but they must be washed occasionally. They can also be an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable filters.
Consider your personal needs when comparing the benefits of a reusable or disposable air filter. For example, if you move frequently, you’ll need a disposable filter. It can be inconvenient to have to replace your filter every few months. You should get a HEPA-style filter if you have asthma.
Consider the MERV rating
It’s crucial to select the best air filter for your house. A filter’s ability to capture pollutants effectively can be determined by its MERV rating. In general, the filter is more effective at capturing particles t.
A MERV 16 filter should be able to capture 95% of the airborne particles. This grade is only sometimes required, though. You should install a filter with a lower MERV rating depending on the size and design of your home.
When choosing an air filter, you should first consider what type of pollutants you are trying to eliminate. Higher MERV ratings are better for controlling dust, pollen, pet hair, and other common allergens. Lower MERV ratings can trap some of these particles, but they are also less effective at removing other common airborne contaminants.
Generally, homeowners should opt for the highest MERV rating possible. It can improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy symptoms.
Avoid clogged or dirty filters
Several issues can result from dirty air filters, including an inefficient air conditioner, higher energy bills, and reduced comfort in the home. Changing your filters frequently can help to keep your HVAC system running efficiently.
Air filters prevent dirt, dust, and other particles from entering the system and circulating back into the airstream. If the filter is dirty, you will notice that the system works harder and the airflow is restricted. It can lead to overheating in the heat exchanger and could even cause a fire.
Clogged filters also lead to poor indoor air quality, which can be especially detrimental to those with asthma or allergies. These conditions can lead to coughing, itchy sinuses, and persistent headaches.
Visual inspection lets you quickly determine if your air filter needs to be changed. A dirty filter will look darker. It will also have visible dirt and debris.
Dirty filters can make the entire system work harder, leading to inefficient performance. It can also reduce the lifespan of the system.