Changing the air filter is easy to do and easy to forget. Read on to see all the benefits you receive for changing the filter regularly, and you’ll want to mark it on the calendar, download a smartphone reminder app and tie a string around your finger.
Change the Filter, Reap Rewards
Air filters help protect household members and HVAC comfort systems from damage caused by airborne contaminants, dust and debris. Following are benefits you gain with regular filter changes:
- Allergy and asthma sufferers may breathe easier season to season with fewer allergens in the home.
- High-efficiency filters capture viruses, such as the flu virus, and a host of other contaminants from your Farmington home, such as auto emissions, pesticide dust and mold spores.
- Filters help prevent debris buildup on HVAC system components, which reduces wear, saves energy and extends the life.
Filter Changes: How Often and How To
Air filter packaging should provide instructions about how often the filter should be changed. Changing also depends on the frequency with which the cooling and heating systems are operated. During peak usage, it’s a good idea to check the filter monthly, and no less than once every three months.
Filters are typically located behind return grilles or in the duct trunk just before the furnace and A/C. Inspect the filter you have in place to see if it fits well. There shouldn’t be any wiggle room if it is the correct size. You may need to measure the filter if the dimensions aren’t clearly visible. Filters lined with gaskets are designed to fit air-tight with no bypass.
Filter Selection
The quality of air filter you select really depends on how clean you need or want the air in your Sterling Heights home to be. If there are household occupants with respiratory issues, such as asthma and allergies, you may want a higher-efficiency air filter, as indicated by the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. The higher the MERV rating (up to 16), the better efficiency.
For more air filter and air quality tips for your Warren home, please contact Aladdin Heating & Cooling.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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