An air filter is a necessary component of your home’s air conditioning system. Its primary function is to remove impurities and unwanted material from the air before it passes through the system, such as dust, dirt, and pet dander. This improves indoor air quality and protects the system from damage caused by these materials.
There are various types of air filters. They are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. Each type of filter has a unique set of capabilities. They are as follows:
- Flat-panel air filters. Just as the name suggests, they are flat paneled filters made of fibrous materials, for example, polyester or fiberglass. They are the cheapest in the market and the least efficient too. They are only capable of keeping out the bigger materials such as pet hair.
- High-Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) air filters. These are highly efficient filters fit to capture even the tiniest of unwanted particles. They can capture up to 99% of the particles in the air.
- Pleated air filters. These have a surface bent in patterns that allow more particle-trapping space while keeping the thickness the same. Synthetic materials are mainly used to make them.
- Washable air filters. These filters can be washed and reused, saving you from the hassle of buying new ones regularly. However, even with this advantage, washable filters are not efficient enough; they accumulate dirt quickly.
When should you change air filters?
The rate at which you change your air filters is mainly dictated by factors such as:
- The type of air filters
- The indoor air quality
- Pets in the house
- The number of people living in the house
- The level of air pollution in the environment
There is no specific time frame that you have to follow when replacing your filters. The basic filters can be replaced every month. However, if anyone in the household has an allergy, you can change them more often. Higher-quality air filters can come in handy too.
If your house is just an ordinary family setting but without pets, the filters can be replaced after every three months. If there is a pet around, the filter should be replaced every two months.
You can replace them once every year for vacation houses and homes with a few residents (1-3).
Why should you change them?
Dirty filters can cause extensive damages to an HVAC system. By changing the filters regularly, you will be preventing such damages from happening, furthering the system’s longevity.
Changing the filters regularly is also a way of saving money; a dirty air filter will have the system consume more energy than a clean one, which means a higher electricity bill. By keeping the filter clean, you will be saving up to 15% on your utility bill.
Moreover, a clean air filter means healthy air. This eliminates the risk of developing health issues, especially for children, the elderly, and those with allergies.
Even though a simple task, it is possible to forget about it easily. Here are some tips that can serve as a reminder when the time to change them comes.
- Including the task on the chore list
- Setting a reminder on a phone or computer
- Keeping the filters (spare) in an obvious place
- Asking other people such as family members to remind you.
As a result, you will have an air filter that works properly all year.
Rice Heating and Air is a full-service heating and air conditioning company headquartered in Alma, AR. The company specializes in air conditioning repair, AC installations, indoor air quality systems, heating repair, and furnace installations. Rice Heating and Air are focused on helping homeowners and businesses staying comfortable year-round. We are your comfort experts.
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