You might be surprised to learn that air filters play a significant role in home comfort. When installed correctly, they remove debris, dust, dander, and contaminants from indoor air, helping to keep your HVAC system running efficiently.
However, your heating and cooling system can experience significant issues if the air filter is dirty.
Common Problems With Dirty Air Filters
- Using more energy to push air through the wrong side of a filter
- Added stress can overwork the entire unit
- Inefficiency leads to higher energy costs
- Overheats the blower motor.
- Polluted air can reach your lungs.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Air quality is a paramount concern for people today. Extended exposure to low-quality or contaminated air can contribute to worrisome health issues, including allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Indoor air quality can be as much as five times worse than outdoor air!
If your air filters aren’t working correctly, contaminants and irritants, including pet dander, mold spores, dust, and pollen, can circulate more freely throughout your home. Clean air filters help ensure that your HVAC system removes these irritants, creating a healthier living environment for you and your family.
Signs Your Air Filter Needs Attention
Whether installed backward or if it’s just time for a change, be on the lookout for these signs telling you your air filter needs attention.
- Increased Energy Bills: If your energy consumption or monthly bill spikes despite not changing your usage habits or getting notified of rate increases, a clogged or improperly installed air filter could be to blame. Your system has to work harder to force air through, requiring more energy.
- Reduced Airflow: If your vent airflow seems weaker than usual, check for clogs in the air filter. These obstructions can make it harder for your system to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- More Dust Around Your Home: If you find more dust on surfaces around your home, it could be a sign that your air filter is no longer effective in removing these contaminants.
- Allergy or Asthma Flare-Ups: If you or your family are experiencing more allergy or asthma symptoms or increased discomfort from respiratory issues, it might be time to check your air filter.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
As a general guideline, you should check your air filters monthly for signs of unusual dust buildup or other obstructions that reduce efficiency. Replacing air filters with a new one every 90 days is best.
Choosing the Right Air Filter
Air filters come in various types and sizes, so choosing the right one for your system is essential. Here are some common types:
- Fiberglass Filters are the most basic and affordable air filters. The only downside is that they catch fewer particles than other types.
- Pleated Filters: Pleated filters trap smaller particulates and are more efficient than their fiberglass counterpart.
- HEPA Filters: HEPA filters excel at trapping even the smallest airborne particles. They’re great for households with people who suffer from allergies or asthma.
- Electrostatic Filters: Electrostatic filters use an electric charge to attract and trap particles. They are washable and reusable.
If you need help determining which air filter type is best for your system, review your owner’s manual or ask an HVAC professional for guidance and advice.
New Technology Supports Clean Indoor Air
For people with severe concerns about indoor air quality, integrating UV germicidal lights is an innovative solution to improve indoor air quality. These ultraviolet lights eliminate bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, reducing the spread of illnesses and preventing mold growth.
UV technology especially benefits people sensitive to poor air quality and irritants. It provides a healthier indoor environment for everyone.
Ultraviolet lights continuously purify the air so everyone inside can breathe more easily despite exterior factors such as allergy season or active air quality alerts.
Keep Your Home A Comfortable Oasis
Air filters are a humble but vital part of your home’s HVAC system. Keeping them clean and properly installed ensures that your HVAC system operates efficiently and indoor air quality is healthy. Understanding the importance of air filters and maintaining them is the first step in enjoying a comfortable, healthy home environment.
If you live in the Westlake, Ohio, area and need help with your HVAC system or want to improve the air quality inside your home, Talk to us first! Call Westland HVAC + Plumbing Today!
