How To Choose The Right House Air Filter For Your Home
Homeowners have a lot of choices to make about how to heat and cool their homes, including which type of HVAC system to purchase and what filters to use. While it isn’t difficult to make these decisions, it can be confusing if you don’t know much about HVACs or don’t have experience with managing your own heating and cooling. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available online that can help teach you everything you need to know.
If you’re interested in learning more, read on to find out how to choose the right air filter for your home.
How do you choose the right air filter for your home?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best house air filters for you will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your home, the type of heating and cooling system you have, and the specific needs of your family. However, some general tips on choosing the right air filter can help you make the right decision. The first step is to determine the size of the air filter you need. Air filters are typically categorized by the size of the opening at the end, which is measured in inches. You can find the size of your air filter by looking on the side of the filter or on the packaging.
Once you know the size of the filter you need, you can then begin to consider the different types of filters available. The most common type of air filter is the disposable filter, which is a cheap and easy option but does not typically offer the best performance. Another common option is a reusable filter, which can be washed and reused but requires more maintenance. The final type of filter is the electronic filter, which uses a filter media to clean the air but can be expensive to purchase and maintain. If you have allergies or asthma, you will want to choose a filter that can help reduce the amount of allergens and asthma triggers in the air.
No matter what system or type of filter you have, you do need to change it on a regular basis if you want to keep your HVAC system in good working order. You need to change your HVAC’s filter at least once every 90 days, but many homeowners opt to change their filter on a monthly basis to ensure peak performance. You should also have the unit itself inspected annually to avoid a potential breakdown.
What else can you do to improve indoor air quality?
First, it’s necessary that you understand what indoor air quality is and why it’s so important. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term used to describe the quality of air within a structure, specifically the air that people breathe. Poor IAQ can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from minor annoyances, such as headaches and fatigue, to more serious conditions, including coronary artery disease, respiratory infections, emphysema, strokes, and even certain types of cancer. There are many factors that can affect IAQ, including the type of building materials used, the presence of pollutants and allergens, and the level of humidity. Poor ventilation and dirty air filters can also contribute to poor IAQ.
There are many things that you can do to improve the quality of your indoor air. One of the simplest examples is to keep your home clean. Clutter can hide allergens, dirt, and debris, and experts recommend vacuuming at least once a week using a model that has a HEPA filter. Laundering items that trap allergens, like bedding, can also be helpful. If you have allergies or are still experiencing issues with air quality, it might be worthwhile to invest in air purifiers and place them in high traffic rooms like your kitchen, living room, or bathrooms.
As you can see, there are many factors to take into account when deciding which air filter to buy for your home. Regular filter changes are an essential part of keeping your HVAC system in good working order. That means that you should plan to replace your filter at least once every 90 days, though preferably more often than that. You’ll also need to take care of other HVAC maintenance if you want your system to operate at peak efficiency, including having it inspected regularly and clearing debris from around the unit. If you take care of your HVAC system, it will take care of you.