Just like how you regularly clean your chimney, your air filters also have to be replaced. When left for a long time, it gets dirty, which will be an issue. Well, we put together a comprehensive guide to know how often you should clean your home air filter.
We all know that air filters serve a basic purpose, which is to clean the air that circulates the house effectively. However, this notion isn’t technically correct. The main reason behind air filters was to protect the HVAC system against damage. Air filters cleans indoor air by trapping harmful pollutants like pollen, dust, and dander. They all come in different sizes and designs, as you can get also get a MERV 13 16 x 20 x 1 air filter with a completely different design from others.
You must know when to change your home air filters to get good air quality.
WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY AIR FILTERS?
Well, the frequency at which you’re required to change your home air filters depends on various factors. This includes;
- The filter type
- The thickness of the filter
- The MERV ratings, amongst others
Let’s quickly look at these factors here for a sec.
TYPE OF FILTER
Filters are made up of 6 different types. And the frequency with which you clean them differs. Air filters can be;
- Pleated: Pleated air filters help limit the rate at which dust and other air pollutants circulate around the home. This is achievable due to its higher surface area, all thanks to its accordion design. Pleated air filters are designed with various materials, and their efficiency depends on the type of material used.
- Washable Air Filters: These are reusable air filters but must be maintained well to protect them from mildew and mold growth.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass filter is fairly disposable and mostly rare. They aren’t the best IAQ-focused filter choice there is and are loosely wound.
- Media: Media filters are high-efficiency filters that provide amazing air filtration without obstructing airflow.
- HEPA: Also known as high-efficiency particulate air filters, there are highly effective while talking about filtration, but they, however, reduce the flow of air for the average home HVAC system.
- Activated carbon: This filter right here effectively reduces VOCs and Odor in the home. However, they find removing particles like mold, dust, and pollen difficult.
THICKNESS OF THE FILTER
The standard air filter is a 1-inch thick disposable filter. If you’ve got this type of filter, it has to be replaced every 30 – 90 days. Other air filters are designed at roughly 2-5 inches in thickness. If this is how yours is, replacing them every four to six months is recommended. However, the thickness of the filter isn’t enough to determine the frequency at which you change the filter.
MERV RATINGS
Generally, filters with low MERV ratings should be checked more frequently than higher-rated ones. An air filter having a MERV rating between 1 – 4 is considered less efficient at filtering out air pollutants. So, you should always check the MERV range and change the filter often.
The middle-efficiency range of MERV 5 – 10 requires filter changes of about 2-3 months. This mid-range, however, varies based on the filter material and other factors. Air filters with a MERV rating of 11 or higher can be replaced between three to six months. If you’re still finding it difficult on when to replace your home air filters, you’ll find recommendations on the packaging to guide you.
Also Read About: The Inspire Spy
