Most of us don’t change the air filters in our ac system as frequently as we’re supposed to.
“Generally, most 1” air filters should be replaced at least every 2-3 months. Larger filters can last up to 12 months.”
Instead, we go several months at a time and only replace the filter whenever we start to see dust piling up on our furniture, or we happen to notice dust gathering on the furnace vents themselves. Am I right?!
However, proper home air filtration requires that you change the air filters in your home on a regular basis before you start to see evidence that it’s been awhile since you changed them. Not only can home air filtration be a matter of life and death for those who suffer from a multitude of respiratory conditions, but even those considered normal and healthy can benefit from a cleaner, dust-free, and allergen-free air.
By removing pollutants from the air (both chemical and environmental ones), your family will be able to breathe cleaner air on a daily basis and your electricity bills will be lower too — because your HVAC unit won’t have to work so hard.
Here’s everything you need to know about home air filtration, plus tips for choosing a quality air filter.
Contrary to popular belief, the primary function of the filter is not to purify the air. It can trap some dust. However, a standard fliter is not fine enough to capture tiny particulates such as pollen and allergens. Fine mesh high energy particulate air (HEPA) filters can catch these and mold spores. Whether you have a standard air filter or higher grade one, not changing it is the biggest problem and can cause the following problems in your Sarasota Florida home:
- Disrupted air flow: Not changing air conditioning filter components allows dust and debris to accumulate in the blower fans and air ducts. This can restrict the amount of space available for air to pass through. Air conditioner performance will decrease and eventually, the unit may fail altogether.
- Lack of cooling: Particles and dirt on the cooling coils can affect performance. Simple AC maintenance can avoid this, but not taking care of the issues will eventually warrant major AC repair.
- Higher bills: Contamination from a dirty air filter will cause your air conditioning system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This ultimately leads to higher energy bills because it draws more power.
- AC damage: Dust and other contaminants can strain other parts, potentially shortening the operating life of an HVAC system. Yes, changing an air filter regularly can increase its life.
- Moisture and mold: Even high-quality HEPA filters need to be replaced. If not, moisture can accumulate in the duct system, especially in our hot and humid Sarasota Florida homes. Moisture is where mold thrives. If the ducts become too moist, mold infestations can result. Mold can spread very quickly throughout a building along with pollen and germs, potentially making residents, employees, and other occupants very sick.
What About Air Filter MERV Ratings?
The cheapest disposable fiberglass filters only meet the minimum (or slightly better), around MERV 2 or 3, and are designed to protect the inner workings of your HVAC system, rather than your indoor air quality. Some washable filters aren’t much better, but the higher end permanent filters can rival the very common disposable pleated filters, which are available in a range, even reaching MERV 12 or better. If you use a washable filter be sure to dry it before re-installing it to keep moisture out of your ductwork.
Many homeowners will be comfortable with a filter ranking 4-8. Higher MERVs of 8-12 are better for those with significant allergies or residences with smokers or pets, but filters will need to be changed frequently. If you have significant problems with dust, pet or mold allergies a UV Air Purifier can make a dramatic difference.
AC filter problems are therefore not just about getting cool air. You can avoid problems by scheduling maintenance regularly. Wentzel’s recommends filter changes on a monthly basis. If several months have gone by since the last filter change, contact us to inspect your air conditioning system and filtration, so performance and indoor air quality can be improved.