As the filter increasingly traps natural particulate pollution from your home - dust, mold and fungal spores, pet dander, fabric fibers, etc. - it is essential to replace the air filter regularly. Timely household air filter replacement can help lower your utility bill and keep your living space healthy. The ideal is to change your air filter every three months, however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change an old filter.
A good rule of thumb is to replace air filters every 30-90 days. Inspect them every month and make the determination based on how dirty they are. If you have pets in the house, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and for households with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing the filter every 20 to 45 days. Vacation homes or vacant homes that don't have much use can usually wait to change filters every 9-12 months.
When you replace your air filters regularly, you'll keep your system running more efficiently. The air filter will keep dust and dirt out of the system and ducts, which can prevent blockages and improve energy efficiency. Clogged air filters allow more dirt and debris to be trapped inside the entire system, making it work harder and shortening its lifespan. There are high-efficiency filters that are designed to filter out small bacterial, mold, and fungal particles, but your standard MERV 8-11 filters will simply block out larger particles of dust, dirt & hair.
Along with regular inspections and maintenance, replacing an air filter regularly can help extend the life of your system. Some of the most popular filters include fiberglass filters, disposable filters, washable and reusable filters. MERV 17 to MERV 20 filters are commonly used in operating rooms, cleanrooms and other settings that require absolute cleanliness. Air filters are usually made of spun fiberglass (the same as attic insulation) or & pleated paper framed with cardboard for added stability and rigidity.
The only type of filters that trap allergens and spores are HEPA, or high-energy particulate air filters. The Martin Enterprises team can provide you with a variety of inspection, maintenance and repair services to keep your system running smoothly. It is essential to understand why it is necessary to replace the air filter regularly in order to maintain a healthy living space and keep your HVAC system running efficiently. When you replace your air filter on time, you will be able to enjoy clean air circulation throughout your home while also saving money on utility bills.
