How Air Filters Improve HVAC Performance and Home Air Quality
At the heart of every HVAC system, you’ll find the air filters. Without them, you’d constantly have dust, dirt, and other unwanted allergens circulating throughout your home. Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect to keep an eye on their air filters. So, this is why they end up spending a fortune on energy bills and repairs.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at why you should pay more attention to your air filters and how to maintain them.
What Do Air Filters Do in an HVAC System?
The job of your air filters is pretty simple. They trap dust, dirt, allergens, and other particles that would otherwise float around in your home.
In essence, they keep the air inside your home clean and protect the inner components of your HVAC system.
Luckily, improving indoor air quality with air filters is one of the easiest ways you can give your home the healthy facelift it needs!
How Air Filters Can Affect Your HVAC’s Performance
As we said before, your HVAC needs air filters to work at its most optimal.
However, clogged air filters can create a myriad of problems in your HVAC system.
Not only do you get less energy efficiency with dirt filters, but they also don’t work as well when heating or cooling your home. The good thing is that a simple air filter replacement usually does the trick!
The Link Between Air Filters and Indoor Air Quality
If you or someone in your family suffers from severe allergies or asthma, then we might be preaching to the choir. However, if this is all new to you, it’s worth knowing that there are many benefits to prioritizing your air filters:
Better Health: When you regularly change your air filter, you reduce pollutants in the air, which can have a significant impact on your health.
HVAC Air Filters for Allergies: If allergies are a concern, we recommend a higher-rated filter. Choose one with a high MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. These are specially made to catch ultra-fine particles and offer the best HVAC air filter benefits.
Signs Your Air Filter Needs Replacing
So, when’s the best time to change your air filter? Here are some telltale signs:
More dust than usual around the house: If you find yourself dusting more often than usual, your filter might not be doing its job.
Decreased air flow: Clogged filters restrict airflow, which can make it harder for air to make its way through the system. You’ll usually know if some rooms feel stuffier than others.
Higher energy bills: If your system is working harder to push air through a clogged filter, you’ll likely see a spike in your utility bills.
Visible dirt on the filter: If you can see dirt, dust, or debris on the filter, it’s time for a replacement. Signs your air filter needs replacing are often pretty obvious when you look closely.
How Often Should You Replace Your Air Filter?
The answer to how often to change air filters depends on a few factors. We recommend every 1–3 months, though there are certain circumstances that can require more frequent changes:
Pets: Pet hair and dander can clog filters faster. So, you may need to change your filter every 1–2 months if you have furry friends.
Smokers: If you smoke indoors your filter will need to work overtime to get rid of smoke particles from the air. This means more frequent replacements.
Allergy sufferers: If you’re sensitive to allergens, we recommend changing the filter every 1-2 months for better air quality.
High pollen or pollution areas: If you live somewhere with high pollen or pollution levels, you’ll need to change your filters more often.
Choosing the Right Air Filter for Your Home
Choosing the best type of air filter for HVAC systems can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. However, there are a few things to consider that can make the choice easier:
Types of filters: There are many different types of filters out there, such as fiberglass, pleated, HEPA, and washable filters. There are pros and cons, depending on what you need. For example, HEPA filters are great for people who suffer from allergies, as they trap small particles.
MERV ratings: The MERV rating indicates how effective the filter is at trapping particles. Higher MERV ratings (above 11) are better at filtering out smaller particles like dust mites and mold spores.
Compatibility: Not all filters and HVAC systems are compatible. So, make sure to look at your system’s specifications before upgrading.
These are just a few tips for finding the best air filters for HVAC systems for homes.
The Cost of Neglecting Air Filters
If you fail to replace your air filter, you could run into a number of issues, including:
Higher energy bills: When your filters are dirty, your system has to work harder, meaning higher utility costs.
System breakdown: When your filters are clogged, they can cause your system to overheat and break down.
Poor air quality: Dirty filters aren’t as good at trapping dust and other pollutants, which can have negative impacts on the air quality in your home.
DIY Air Filter Maintenance vs. Professional Help
Luckily, changing air filters is easy. You just need to make sure you do it right. Here are a few of our most highly recommended air filter replacement tips:
Find your filter: You’ll often find the filter near the return air vent, which is typically inside the furnace or air handler.
Remove and replace: With your manufacturer’s instructions in hand, remove and install the new filter. Be sure to insert the new filter with the airflow arrows pointing in the right direction.
Set reminders: Now that you’ve changed your filter, don’t forget to change it again when it’s time. We recommend setting a reminder on your phone for every 1–3 months.
Of course, if you want the best and most thorough inspection and maintenance, it’s best to schedule a professional HVAC tune-up.
How Air Filters Fit into an HVAC Maintenance Plan
Replacing your air filter is just the tip of the iceberg for maintaining a healthy HVAC system.
Choosing the right air filter for your home and changing it regularly should be part of a larger maintenance routine that includes cleaning your ducts and regularly inspecting your system. It’s best to make periodic filter changes a part of your annual or semi-annual HVAC unit service plan.
The Importance of Filters In HVAC Systems
Clean air filters are the key to a healthy home. With regular replacement, you can worry less about high energy bills and system breakdowns and create a more comfortable home for yourself!
Need help choosing or replacing your air filters? Contact Miller’s Heating & Air for expert advice and professional HVAC services today!
