How To Know When an HVAC Filter Needs To Be Replaced
Your home’s HVAC system is responsible for keeping you comfortable all year long. It circulates air throughout your house and it removes pollutants and moisture. This means that your HVAC system needs to be in good condition in order to provide you with the best air quality possible. Your air filter plays a key role in your HVAC system by trapping debris and pollutants. If your air filter is clogged, it can cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary and may even lead to system failure. You need to change it regularly if you want to protect the system and your home. If you want to learn more, keep reading to find out how to know when an HVAC filter needs to be replaced.
How do you know when an HVAC filter needs to be replaced?
The frequency with which you will need to perform HVAC filter maintenance will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of filter you use, the size of your home, and how often your HVAC system is used. However, most experts recommend replacing your HVAC filter every one to three months, or whenever it becomes visibly dirty. If you have a pet, you may need to replace your filter more often, as pet dander and hair can clog filters more quickly. If you're not sure when your filter was last replaced, or you're not sure which type of filter is best for your home, consult a qualified HVAC technician.
When shopping for a new filter, you should check the filter's MERV rating. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value, and it’s a measure of how effective a filter is at capturing particles. A filter with a higher MERV rating will be more effective at capturing particles than a filter with a lower MERV rating. If you’re not sure what MERV rating a filter has, you can check the filter’s packaging or contact the manufacturer.
Don't forget to take care of the rest of your HVAC system too. Changing the filters regularly is only one part of proper HVAC maintenance. You should keep the area around the unit clean all year round and have a technician inspect it at least once annually. That way, you can prevent small problems from turning into expensive breakdowns.
What else can you do to improve your home's air quality?
It should be a priority for homeowners to protect their indoor air quality. Many homeowners don't realize that poor indoor air pollution can have a serious impact on your health. In fact, the EPA has identified indoor air pollution as one of the top environmental risks to public health. Some of the most common health problems associated with poor indoor air quality include emphysema, coronary artery disease, respiratory infections, and even certain types of cancer. The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to improve indoor air quality in your home, beyond just replacing your air filters regularly.
You can start by ensuring that your home is properly ventilated. Additionally, you will need to be thorough when you clean your home and vacuum your carpets. Another one of the best things you can do is to invest in an air purifier. An air purifier can improve your home's indoor air quality by removing airborne allergens, dust, smoke, and other pollutants. Air purifiers come in a wide range of sizes and styles, so you can find one that is perfect for your home. Some air purifiers are designed to be placed on a desk or table, while others are mounted on the wall or ceiling.
As you can see, your home’s HVAC system is one of the most integral pieces of equipment you have. You need to keep it well-maintained if you want to be safe and comfortable inside your house. That includes changing your air filter on a regular basis and ensuring that the HVAC unit itself is serviced at least once per year. Any problems with your HVAC should be handled as quickly as possible, so they don't become more expensive to fix or result in a breakdown. You can also protect your indoor air quality by purchasing an air purifier and cleaning more frequently. Follow the tips in this article and you'll be able to breathe easier whenever you're at home.
