Important Things to Know About Air Filter Replacement

AC and Furnace Filters Explained

Air filters play a key role in improving a home’s indoor air quality and protecting heating and cooling equipment. However, they must be routinely replaced to ensure proper filtration and airflow. This post will discuss what air filters do, how often they should be replaced, and the advantages of regular air filter replacement. 

What Do Air Filters Do?

Air filters are crucial to an HVAC system and for clean indoor air because they trap airborne particles and contaminants, preventing them from circulating through the home and impacting the health of residents, and prevent them from getting into heating and cooling equipment, which can lead to issues and inefficiency. 

Filters can capture dust, pollen, pet dander, and more contaminants from the air passing through the filter, which protects the heating and cooling system’s internal components and sensitive mechanical parts from debris buildup that can cause reduced efficiency, premature system failure, and more problems. Removing these contaminants and allergens from the home’s air also helps maintain good indoor air quality and especially helps people in the home with allergies and respiratory issues.

However, not all filters are the same. A filter’s MERV rating measures how well filters are able to remove particles from the air, with higher MERV ratings indicating their ability to trap increasingly smaller particles. This makes air filters with a high MERV rating better for those with allergies and asthma. 

How Often Should Air Filters Be Replaced?

The replacement frequency of air filters can depend on the type of filter and its size, as well as household factors like whether there are pets in the home or windows are left open often, letting in more dust, pollen, and other outdoor contaminants. However, it’s generally recommended to change air filters every one to three months. 

A monthly visual inspection of filters provides the most reliable indicator for when air filter replacement is needed. When a once-clean air filter appears dirty or clogged with dust, it’s time to replace it. For those who suffer from allergies and respiratory issues, more frequent filter replacements can help reduce symptoms. 

The Benefits of Timely Air Filter Replacement

Regular AC and furnace filter replacement delivers significant benefits. Changing air filters when needed improves indoor air quality by trapping airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and more before they circulate throughout the home and worsen indoor air quality and the health symptoms of residents by reducing respiratory irritants. 

Beyond cleaner air, replacing filters when needed helps extend the lifespan of heating and cooling equipment. When filters become clogged and dirty, the HVAC system must work harder to push air through the clogged filter. This strain accelerates wear and tear on vital components and can even cause the system to overheat. Clean and fresh filters allow the system to operate more efficiently, which keeps heating and cooling costs lower and reduces system strain that can lead to problems and early replacement. The minimal cost of replacement filters pales in comparison to the utility bill savings and other benefits that timely filter replacement provides. 

About Spencer Home Services

Spencer Home Services is a family-owned and operated company that has been serving the Peabody community since 1980. They provide straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and on-time service. Call them for heater and AC filter replacement services in Peabody, MA.

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