Using a proper furnace filter can be helpful for those who suffer from asthma, allergies, and chemical sensitivities. They can improve the air quality inside your home by trapping dirt, neutralizing unpleasant odors, neutralizing smoke and chemical fumes, and removing germs.
However, in order to maintain this quality, air filters need regular maintenance and periodically require filter changes. Knowing the degree of service required by different types of air filters will help you make an informed purchase, as did this article, which explores how filters work in air filters to highlight why replacement is so important.
Why Should You Replace Your Air Filters Regularly?
When the filter is clean in your home HVAC system, your family enjoys clean and refreshing air that is relatively free of irritants. This is because these irritants have entered the filter. As air passes through these filters, dust, pet hair and other allergens and particles become entangled and accumulate over time until the filter is saturated. This explanation also applies to adsorption filters such as carbon, which absorb odor molecules and chemical vapors in the air.
However, the filter, which receives the collected contaminants, gradually loses its effectiveness. Besides the lack of space for newly captured particles, air cannot pass as efficiently through saturated filters. As a result, the regular placement of a new filter can keep your HVAC system in optimal condition.
Do all filters need to be replaced?
Several manufacturers have recognized the need for models that require lower long-term costs, leading to the development of washable or permanent filter air filters. These models eliminate or significantly reduce the need to purchase replacement filters on a regular basis. These filters still need to be cleaned, so they need to be rinsed or vacuumed constantly to maintain efficiency.
In short, whether you have disposable, washable, or permanent types in your HVAC system, all filters have a lifespan. They should be replaced or cleaned regularly as part of your HVAC system’s maintenance requirements.
So which frequency is better?
The ideal frequency at which you should replace your air filters depends on a number of factors. Let’s take a closer look at some of these elements:
Default Indoor Air Quality: The dirtier the air in your home, the faster your filters will reach their maximum performance. Expect a shorter filter life, for example if your home is along a busy road (filled with cars that emit pollutants and smoke) or if your family has smokers and pets.
Frequency of use. Obviously, an HVAC system that operates 24 hours a day will need more maintenance than another unit that only operates at certain times of the day or on certain days of the week.
Filter type. Some types of filters need to be replaced more often than others. For example, pre-filters usually need to be cleaned monthly, while HEPA filters have a longer life. Check out our definitive guide below for more information.
Knowing the best time to change filters can be confusing. This is why some air filters come with filter check indicators out of the box. This function allows the user to know through an LED indicator or audible signals that the filter inside needs to be replaced or cleaned. However, not all models have this feature.
General furnace filter replacement schedule.
In our ultimate guide, below is a typical replacement schedule for different types of filters. In addition, it should give an idea of how often different filters need to be replaced. If information is not provided to you by a specific manufacturer, please check what type of filter is used in your HVAC system and check its life below:
- HEPA filters: These filters can capture even the smallest particles and are suitable for those with allergies or breathing problems. Depending on the HEPA filter, it can last from 6 months to 1 year.
- Disposable pleated: Typically, you should replace pleated air filters in your home every 90 days. Staying longer than this may result in more dirt, dust, and allergens in the filter, resulting in a clogged filter and reduced efficiency.
- Washable Furnace Filters: need to be cleaned every three months and replaced if damaged.
Please note that this is a general guideline. There may be certain installations that are exceptions to this rule. Especially given the rapid growth and development of the air purification industry. Where new technologies and filter types are constantly evolving. However, the above numbers are valid for most air filters.
Are there any indications that my furnace filter needs replaced?
If your HVAC system does not have a filter change indicator, you can also determine if a filter needs to be replaced by the following signs:
- The filter shows a noticeable accumulation of dust and dirt, giving it a distinct gray color
- Your house is dirtier than usual
- There is a clear increase in the amount of pet dander circulating in the air
- You or your loved ones experience more frequent or more severe asthma and allergy symptoms
- You begin to notice bad smell and smoke control
Remember: your intuition helps! Regardless of which schedule is set for the particular filter, you are using. Vese Heating & Cooling recommends to replace or clean filter it as soon as you notice significant fouling and sludge build-up that will significantly reduce the performance of your HVAC system.
Does the washable furnace filter need to be dried after cleaning?
Yes! It is important to dry the washable filters thoroughly before putting them back into the furnace filter rack. Failure to do so can lead to the formation and growth of mold, causing the HVAC system to emit unpleasant odors.
What else can I do to ensure the longevity of my HVAC system and its filters?
You can significantly extend the life of your filter by minimizing smoking inside and/or by keeping your home free from dust, smoke, and dirt.
You can also ensure that your HVAC system continues to function properly by following the regular filter check and replacement schedule. Failure to follow your HVAC system filter replacement schedule can cause harmful pollutants and bacteria to circulate around the room.
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Vese Heating & Cooling will deliver a world-class HVAC system that is an ideal fit and gives you an ideally comfortable environment. Our technicians are the most qualified and experienced in Edmonton.
Contact your premier source for heating and air conditioning in Edmonton Vese Heating & Cooling, at (825)343-6222 or submit a service request here.
