Usually, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months. This may vary depending on the location of your home, if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. The ideal is to change the air filter every three months, however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change an old filter. Fiberglass air filters are the most affordable of the two, but they are less efficient at capturing dust and particles in the air.
They usually need to be changed every 30 days or less. Some air filters are supposed to survive up to six months, while others need to be changed monthly. The denser the air filter, the longer it should last. In order to determine when to replace an air filter, you should examine its thickness and MERV rating.
The MERV rating measures how well an air filter removes dust, pollen and smoke from the air, and how freely air flows through the filter at any fan speed. Additionally, you should calculate the annual costs of replacement filters based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Prices may vary by retailer and it may be cheaper to buy filters in bulk. Air and HVAC filters are designed to filter pollutants or pollutants from the air that passes through them.
Air cleaning and filtration can help reduce airborne pollutants, including virus-containing particles. Portable air purifiers (also known as air purifiers) can be particularly useful when additional ventilation with outdoor air is not possible without compromising indoor comfort (temperature or humidity) or when outdoor air pollution is high. If you live in a big city, pollutants such as smoke, dust and other debris will seep inside and clog your air filter at a much faster rate. When used correctly, air and HVAC filters can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a building or small space.
In smaller homes, the HVAC system has to move less air, which may mean less frequent air filter replacements. If you have young children at home, it's a good idea to use high-quality pleated air filters and change them every two months. According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA), “indoor air quality is as important as outdoor air quality”.Another sign that the air filter may need to be changed is a sudden increase in your electricity or electricity bill for several months. There have been questions about whether do-it-yourself air filters can be effective in reducing virus particles in indoor environments.
While a filter with a higher MERV rating should last longer, it can also restrict airflow in your home. The EPA does not recommend the routine use of DIY air purifiers as a permanent alternative to known performance products (such as commercially available portable air purifiers). Compared to other home improvement projects, changing air filters is a quick and painless process that can be done in less than an hour. Portable air filters and HVAC filters alone are not enough to protect people from the virus that causes COVID-19. Replacing your air filter can save you money and ensure your HVAC system is operating at optimal levels. It is important for homeowners to understand how often their air filters need to be replaced in order to keep their HVAC system running efficiently and effectively.
Many manufacturers use the Clean Air Supply Rate (CADR) rating system to evaluate air filter performance. This rating system helps homeowners determine how often they should replace their filters based on their specific needs. Overall, it is recommended that homeowners change their air filters every three months or more frequently if they live in a big city or have young children at home. Additionally, homeowners should consider using high-quality pleated filters with higher MERV ratings for better filtration efficiency.
