The Importance Of Changing Your HVAC Filter Regularly
Whether your HVAC system is providing warm or cool air, it works by drawing air in and then forcing it through your home through ducts and channels.
Unfortunately, the air from your heating or cooling system isn’t always clean. It can even be the source of pollutants inside the house.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, there are several sources of indoor air pollutants. These include:
- Tobacco products
- Cleaning products
- Insulation and other building materials that contain asbestos
- Appliances with fuel-burning combustion
- Pollen concentration
HVAC Air Filters & The Impact On Your Indoor Air Quality Rumson NJ
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Your HVAC system can move these pollutants around your home, causing health issues. They can irritate the eyes and throat. They can also cause fatigue. The pollutants can cause long-term effects that can result in respiratory disease which are debilitating.
The filters in your HVAC system create a barrier between the air input and the inner part of your system. When the air is drawn in, the particles are caught in the filter. Some of the more advanced HVAC systems have an additional filter at the air exhaust. This provides more protection, keeping even more pollutants from being blown back throughout your home.
When To Replace Your HVAC Air Filters
Most people who own an HVAC system knows that the filters need to be changed regularly; however, many don’t know how often to change the filters. Typically, there are many factors that will depend on how often you need to change the filters, and it varies from home to home. It is important that you know when to change the filters to be sure that the quality of your indoor air is safe.
Before shopping for a replacement filter, you should contact the HVAC system manufacturer or your local HVAC contractor.
You will need to find a filter replacement that has the necessary Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value rating. You want the number to be high because it will be better at filtering pollutants. However, there is a downside to choosing a filter with a high rating. These filters can slow down your airflow which causes an adverse effect on the mechanisms in your system. You should check with an HVAC contractor or the manufacturer to see how high the MERV rating can be for your particular system.
What To Look For In An Air Filter For Your HVAC System
When buying a replacement filter, don’t try to save money by trying to use a filter panel that is not made for your HVAC system. Also, if you opt to buy a cheap filter, you will need to replace it more often; therefore, you won’t be saving any money. It is best to buy a high-quality air filter.
How Do I Know When To Replace My Air Filters?
If you have more than one pet, you should change your filter every few weeks. If you live in a dusty or polluted area or if you have severe allergies, you should also change your filter more often.
If you live in a temperate climate and you don’t run your HVAC system often, you can get away with waiting several months before you change your filter. If this is the case, you should change your filter at least once in the spring and once in the fall. These are the two times of the year when indoor pollutants are at their worst.
If you live alone or if you have a vacation home and you have no furry pets, it is best to change your filter every few months or at least once a year. If you live in an average suburban home, you should change the filter every 90 days. If you have a pet and someone in the home suffers from allergies, you should replace your filter every 20 to 45 days.
An excellent way to figure out how often you need to change your filter is by checking it regularly. When it is dirty, replace it with a new one.
What Benefits Come With Frequent Filter Changes?
Other benefits come with replacing your filter regularly. Other than keeping your family safe and healthy, it can also save you money. When you replace your clogged filter with a new one, it will lower the amount of energy that your HVAC system consumes by up to 15 percent according to data provided by the US Department of Energy. The reason for this is that the cooling or heating system won’t need to push against a wall of dirt that has built up to push out the air. A clean HVAC system is an efficient HVAC system. The less energy your system needs, the lower your energy bills will be.
Conclusion
Lawes Company employs only NATE-certified technicians to help you when you are in need of HVAC maintenance or repairs.
We provide affordable and reliable HVAC services in the area. These services can improve your HVAC system’s efficiency, comfort, and the indoor air quality in your home. When your system is properly maintained, it can perform reliably during extreme weather. To schedule an appointment, give Lawes Company a call today.
Some of the areas that we service include Fair Haven, Little Silver, Monmouth Beach, Rumson, and these zip codes 07704, 07739, 07750, 07760, as well as all surrounding areas in Monmouth County, New Jersey.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!