Whether providing air cooling or heating, an HVAC system works by drawing air, then forcing the air out throughout the home in a series of channels and ducts. Unfortunately, that air isn’t always clean and can potentially be a source of significant pollutants.
According to the EPA, an authority of indoor air quality facts, many sources of indoor air pollution include:
- Tobacco products
- Building materials and insulation that contains asbestos
- Fuel-burning combustion appliances
- Concentrations of pollen
These pollutants are moved around by the HVAC system and irritate the eyes, throat, and even cause fatigue. The long-term effects may potentially lead to respiratory disease that can be debilitating.
The HVAC filters operate by being a barrier between the air input and the compound parts of the system. As it draws the air in, it catches the particles in the filter. Some advanced HVAC systems also have an additional filter at the air exhaust, further preventing any pollutants from being blown back into the home.
Indoor Air Quality Somerville NJ: How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Filters?
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Most owners of an HVAC system recognize that they should change their filters on a regular basis — but what they may not know is exactly how often, and how it can vary from home to home.
Essentially, there are many factors that you need to be aware of to ensure proper indoor air quality.
When shopping for a replacement filter, you should contact the original manufacturer of the HVAC system. You can also ask your local HVAC contractor which type of filter is best for your make and model.
Check The MERV & Air Filter Type
Try not to be cheap and use a filter panel that is not compatible with your HVAC system. Buying a cheap filter also means that they will most likely need to be replaced more often, which will cost the same as purchasing a better quality filter.
When shopping for filters, you can look for a filter replacement that has a proper Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value rating. The higher the number, the better it is of filtering pollutants.
The Frequency Of HVAC Air Filter Replacement
If you have several pets, then it is ideal to change the filter every couple of weeks. You should also follow this rule of thumb if you live in a highly dusty or polluted area, or have severe allergies.
On the other hand, if you live in temperate regions where you hardly run your HVAC system, you may be able to wait for several months between filter changes. However, you should change out the filter once in the spring and once in the fall, which are times where indoor pollutants spike. It is best to check on a monthly basis and replace when the filter appears dirty.
Vacation homes or single occupant homes with no furry pets can usually change their filter every couple of months, up to once a year. For the average suburban home, change the filter every 90 days. If you live in a house with more than one pet with allergy sufferers within the occupancy, then replace the filter every 20 to 45 days. Once again, it is best to check it on a frequent basis and determine if it is necessary.
The Benefits of Changing Your Filter When Necessary
Not only are you protecting your family from airborne pollutants from getting into their lungs, but there are also added benefits to changing your filter.
It can save you money. Replacing a clogged filter with the new one lower the HVAC’s energy consumption by several percentage points; up to 15 percent according to the US Department of Energy. The HVAC system does not have to push against the wall of dirt that has accumulated on the filter. A clean filter is an efficient HVAC system. Less energy consumed will translate to a lower electric bill.
Also, since your system does not have to work as hard, it leads to fewer repair costs and a longer lifespan. Overall, the cost of changing your filter pays off significantly in the form of lower energy bills and HVAC services.
Conclusion
Skylands Energy is your partner in ensuring that your indoor air quality parameters meet the safety and comfort standards you need.
We are equipped with the know-how, experience, and tools to make the proper diagnosis of the problem and find the best solutions to improve your indoor air quality. Talk to Skylands Energy today about indoor air quality testing and the best steps you need to take to improve your indoor air quality standards. After all, it does affect your health and the safety of your home.
Some of the areas we service include Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Raritan, Somerville, and these zip codes: 08807, 08844, 08869, 08876 as well as all surrounding areas in central New Jersey.
Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!