Why is it important to change my air filter?
The filter in your heating and air system is designed to remove particles from the air traveling through the heating system and re-circulated into your home.
The filter provides two benefits. First, the filtered air is healthier. Particles in the air include dead skin cells, animal dander, pollen, mold spores and bacteria. The style and quality of your filter will determine how effectively these particulates are removed. Filtered air means less allergens, less irritation, and less dusting.
Second, the filter protects the heating system. A dirty heater is an inefficient heater. A dust layer as little as 1/16” on the blower wheel can reduce furnace efficiency by as much as 25%; causing a significant increase to your utility bills. Furthermore, a dirty filter, or the wrong “high efficiency” filter, reduces air flow to the heater. Reduced air flow is a primary cause of short cycling which increases utility bills and decreases the life of your heater (see the question about short cycling above).
The frequency of filter replacement depends on how much you use your system, the presence of pets, and the style of filter. For most people that use 1” paper filters, replacement should occur every 30 days. Thicker filters, 2” – 4” can be replaced less frequently, every 3 – 6 months. Our intense air purification Filters will range from 1-3 months.
The filter provides two benefits. First, the filtered air is healthier. Particles in the air include dead skin cells, animal dander, pollen, mold spores and bacteria. The style and quality of your filter will determine how effectively these particulates are removed. Filtered air means less allergens, less irritation, and less dusting.
Second, the filter protects the heating system. A dirty heater is an inefficient heater. A dust layer as little as 1/16” on the blower wheel can reduce furnace efficiency by as much as 25%; causing a significant increase to your utility bills. Furthermore, a dirty filter, or the wrong “high efficiency” filter, reduces air flow to the heater. Reduced air flow is a primary cause of short cycling which increases utility bills and decreases the life of your heater (see the question about short cycling above).
The frequency of filter replacement depends on how much you use your system, the presence of pets, and the style of filter. For most people that use 1” paper filters, replacement should occur every 30 days. Thicker filters, 2” – 4” can be replaced less frequently, every 3 – 6 months. Our intense air purification Filters will range from 1-3 months.