When to Change Your Air Filter (and How to Pick the Right One)
Regularly replacing the air filters in your HVAC system is important not only for the air quality in your home, but also for saving money on your energy bills and reducing future maintenance costs for your system. A worn out or clogged filter causes the fans in your circulating system to work overtime pushing air through it, so it can cause excessive wear on your system and increase your operating costs.
How to choose the right air filter
Choosing the right filter is easier than you think. To determine the size, just look at the frame of the filter that is already in the device. The size and type must be written on the side of the filter. There are several different types of filters, so choosing the right one depends on how often you want to change it, and sometimes if you have pets, if you have allergies, and if you live in an area where there is smoke from wildfires. causes concern.
Most residences do not have HVAC systems that are compatible with HEPA filters because more energy is needed to move air through. Thus, the two main types of filters are fiberglass flat filters and pleated filters. There are also washable filters, but they tend to have low MERV (Minimum Effectiveness Reporting Values) ratings and a higher likelihood of mold and mildew development.
The flat filter is cheaper, but has a lower MERV rating of 2 to 3 and requires more frequent replacement. In the long run, these filters do not clean the air as well and will need to be replaced more frequently. The pleated filter will have a higher MERV rating of 7 to 13 and will need to be replaced every 60 to 90 days. For most people, this type of filter will be the best option.
What you need to know about the MERV air filter rating
If you have pets or suffer from allergies, you should change the filter more often. If you live in an area where wildfire smoke is a concern, it’s a good idea to change your filter more often when smoke is present, and to have one or two extra filters on hand before wildfire season starts. Once there’s a lot of smoke, local stores can sell out quickly, so it’s important to prepare ahead of time.
If you’re still not sure if it’s time to change the filter, take it out and see how clogged it is. For stronger smoke and pollen filtration, a higher MERV rating (MERV 13 or higher) is recommended. For pollen, MERV 8 or higher is recommended. If you’re planning on doing a home improvement project where you’ll be sanding and creating a lot of dust, you can use a cheaper flat panel filter during the project and then replace it with a better filter when you’re done. . This will protect your system and your lungs from excess dust, but won’t cost as much as replacing a better filter.
How to change the air filter
To replace the filter, turn off the HVAC system, either with the thermostat or switch panel. Then find a filter either in the air handling system, in the utility room, in the attic, in the basement, or in the return duct where your system draws air through the vent. Open the area where your air filter is located, pull out the old one and put the new one in place, making sure the arrows on the filter frame point in the direction the air is going through the system. Then close the system and turn it on again.