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Breathe Clean at Home
Maintaining good air quality is an important part of being a homeowner. Everyone wants to breathe clean, healthy air and avoid any discomfort or illnesses. Luckily, our homes are equipped with a system to remove harmful contaminants from the air in the form of air filters. Keeping these filters in good, working order is simple if you follow a few tips.
How Air Filters Work
Air filters sit in your HVAC where warm or cool air is forced through before circling through your ducts and home. This way, their filtering layers can catch any air pollutants before they can enter your home. Depending on their rating, air filters can remove the following from the air:
- Dust.
- Pollen.
- Pet dander.
- Smoke.
- Dirt.
- Mold spores.
Variety and MERV Ratings
Filters come in a variety of sizes, styles, and ratings. The varying sizes allow you to find the perfect fit for your HVAC. You can also choose whether you want a single-use or reusable filter. A reusable filter can be washed every so often and re-used if you prefer to avoid waste.
When purchasing your air filters, it is important to look at ratings. Efficiency for air filters is measured in MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient filtering, and the more expensive purchase.
The Importance of Replacing Filters
Over time, your filter will become clogged with all the contaminants it is keeping out of the air. A clogged filter can cause a myriad of problems for your HVAC including making it work harder to force air out and causing a build-up of moisture, encouraging mold and mildew growth.
Replacing air filters will not only keep your air consistently free of the majority of air-borne pollutants, but it will also keep your HVAC working efficiently and properly.
It is recommended that you replace your air filters at least once every 3 months. If you are more sensitive to allergens, have asthma, or are a smoker, you should switch to replacing every month.
Air Quality Questions?
Looking for more information on air quality and other ways to improve yours? Check out our other air quality services or give us a call at (512) 957-2992!