Air filters are an important part of a central HVAC system, but they’re often overlooked. They work continuously, removing pollen, dust, and other contaminants that would otherwise impact your indoor air quality.
Failing to change your air filter can keep your HVAC system from operating at peak efficiency and even worse, lead to a system failure.
Keep reading to learn more about your air filter and why changing your air filter is important.
What Happens If You Don’t Change the Air Filter in Your Home?
Your air filter is designed to filter out dust, pollen, dander, dirt, mold spores, hair, and other particles. When you don’t change your air filter, it can become clogged from these particles, preventing air from passing through, thus making your HVAC system work harder. As a result, your HVAC system will experience more wear and tear faster and your power bill will increase.
The additional strain on your HVAC system can also cause it to malfunction or overheat.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filters in Your Home?
It’s best to replace your air filter every 30 to 90 days, but you’ll want to consider the size of your home and how often you run your HVAC system. If you have pets, you’ll want to replace your air filter more often because of floating pet dander. This also applies if you or another family member in the home has asthma.
What Size Air Filter Do I Need for My House?
Now that you know how often you should change your air filter, you’ll need to know what size to get, in regard to MERV ratings. Your air filter’s MERV rating indicates how effective it is at capturing dust, pollen, mold spores, smoke, dander, bacteria, and other air contaminants. The higher the MERV rating, the better it is at trapping those pollutants. However, selecting a filter with the highest MERV rating doesn’t always mean you’re getting the best. Air filters that are too fine for your HVAC system will actually inhibit airflow and increase your utility bills. You typically want to stick to anything below a MERV 13 for your home. Anything higher is generally only used in commercial use. You can find the recommended MERV rating in your owner’s manual or contact your local HVAC contractor like Vanport Mechanical.
Experts in Air Filters
If your indoor air quality is beginning to feel uncomfortable, contact Vanport Mechanical and Fire Sprinkler Inc. We provide maintenance, installations, and repairs for HVAC systems. We also provide 24/7 same-day emergency service so you never have to wait too long to have your HVAC system serviced.
Why Changing Your Air Filter is Important in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
Serving The Greater Vancouver WA and Portland OR Areas
