The Importance of Regular HVAC Filter Replacement: A Guide to Cleaner Air and Energy Efficiency
As Summer Approaches and temperatures rise, we rely more and more on our air conditioning systems to keep us cool and comfortable. It’s essential to remember one crucial maintenance task: replacing our HVAC filters regularly. While it may seem like a small chore, regularly changing your HVAC filters can have a significant impact on both indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Join us, as we explore what an HVAC filter is, how often you should replace it, why it’s important to replace, the best HVAC filters on the market, and the benefits they bring to your home.
What is an HVAC Filter?
An HVAC filter has two important jobs in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Its primary role is to keep the air in your home clean by removing particles like dust, pet dander, pollen, and other contaminants out of the air that you and your family breathe. However, that’s not all it does. HVAC filters also protect your HVAC system by preventing these contaminants from getting into your HVAC equipment and causing damage. To learn more about HVAC systems and filters, you can read more about it here.
HVAC Filter Replacement: How Often You Should Change It?
As a general rule of thumb, most experts recommend replacing your filter every 30-90 days. Can you go beyond that time? Or change your filter sooner? That depends. The frequency of the HVAC filter replacement may rely on several factors: the type of filter you use, the level of indoor pollution, and if you have pets or allergies.
One way to see whether or not your filter needs to be changed, would be to check the filter itself. If it is dirty, discolored or full of dust, then it is time to change your filter. You may also know it’s time to change your filter if your home may need dusting more frequently, your indoor air has a strange odor, or your energy bill suddenly increases. Over time, the HVAC filter also becomes clogged with debris, reducing their effectiveness. The HVAC system will ultimately have to work harder to maintain purer air and desired temperatures. It’s essential to check your filters regularly and replace them as needed to maintain optimal indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
How Replacing HVAC Filters Regularly Benefits Your Health
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans, on average, spend 90% of their time indoors. Concentrated indoor air pollutants have also increased due to energy-efficient building construction, personal care products, pets and more. With more time spent indoors and the likelihood of being exposed to these pollutants, the importance of maintaining and changing your HVAC filter is vital. By regularly replacing your HVAC filters, you can ensure that your system runs efficiently and effectively, providing cleaner air for you and your family to breathe.
The Best HVAC Filters
Types of filters that exist are related to Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). This standard ranges from 1-20 and the higher the rating, the more particles captured. So, if you have a MERV 6 HVAC, for example, you may need to change your filter sooner than 30-90 days, whereas, if you have a MERV 14, your filter is more likely to last longer.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) created the MERV rating system to evaluate HVAC filter performance. Their current recommendation is to use a HVAC filter of at least MERV of 13, but stating that the MERV 14 (or better) filter is preferred.
AirDoctor Home Merv 14 HVAC Filter is the Gold Standard of Air Filtration. Not only does AirDoctor’s HVAC filter capture pollen, mold spores and household dust, it also captures other debris that different filters do not. The AirDoctor MERV 14 HVAC can also capture viruses, bacteria, and PM2.5, also known as fine particles. AirDoctor’s HVAC filters will help you feel at ease knowing that the air you’re breathing is more safe and pure.
Benefits of Regular HVAC Filter Replacement:
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: By regularly replacing your HVAC filters, you can remove harmful pollutants and allergens from the air, creating a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. This is especially important for individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies, as clean air can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- Energy Efficiency: A clogged or dirty HVAC filter restricts airflow, causing your system to work harder to circulate air throughout your home. This increased strain can lead to higher energy consumption and utility bills. By replacing your filters regularly, you can ensure that your HVAC system operates efficiently, reducing energy waste and saving money in the long run.
- Extended HVAC System Lifespan: A well-maintained HVAC system is less likely to experience breakdowns or costly repairs. By regularly replacing your filters, you can prevent dirt and debris from building up within your system, prolonging its lifespan and reducing the need for expensive repairs or replacements.
Start Breathing Cleaner Air Today
Regular HVAC filter replacement is a simple yet effective way to maintain cleaner air quality, improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. By following the recommended guidelines for filter replacement and staying proactive with your maintenance efforts, you can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable home environment while also saving money on energy bills. Don’t overlook this essential maintenance task—your indoor air quality (and wallet) will thank you for it!
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality
