Do you ever wonder if you really need an air filter in your home? The answer is yes! Air filters are essential for keeping your home clean and the air you breathe healthy. But how do they work and why should you replace them regularly? Read on to find out more about air filters and how they can benefit your health. At its most basic function, an air filter removes impurities such as dust, pet dander, or even bacteria from the air that flows through the system. Not only does this improve the air quality inside your home, but it also protects your HVAC system from potential damage. An electrostatic air filter is a washable air filter that uses static electricity to capture particles.
Air filters typically have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) that determines the type and size of contaminants against which the filter will act. Another rating method is the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), a scale recognized by the Federal Trade Commission and Environmental Protection Agency that also measures the efficiency of air purifiers. You can hear it: Your HVAC technician is giving you lessons on how to make sure you change your air filter. In a car, the air filter prevents dirt, debris and impurities from entering the engine and dust, pollen, dirt and other contaminants from entering the ventilation and heat grilles. Or, thanks to today's smart home technology, you can even purchase smart filters such as 3M Filtrete smart air filters that use sensors to monitor airflow. But what happens if you let that time go by a little? Before we talk about WHEN you should change your air filter, let's start with the WHY. A general rule of thumb for pleated air filters (such as those manufactured by FilterBuy) is to replace the filter every 90 days.
As the filter traps more dirt, dust and allergens from the air, the efficiency of the filter decreases. You will no longer be able to filter the air properly, allowing dust and contaminants to enter the HVAC system. Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than recommended by the manufacturer of your oven or air conditioner may impair its performance. However, it is recommended to avoid portable air purifiers or other electronic air cleaning systems that produce ozone, which is known to irritate the lungs. Dust and mold usually build up in homes and can cause respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies. Air purifiers remove these toxins from the home, in addition to airborne bacteria and viruses, to improve breathing and overall health.
Outdoor air quality is affected by particles such as pollution, construction dust, ash, exhaust gases, and outdoor allergens, such as pollen from trees and grasses. Gases build up from things like burning coal or diesel, car exhaust, and industrial waste. Some useful measures of outdoor air quality include the air quality index and pollen count. There is very little medical evidence to support that air purifiers directly help improve your health or relieve allergies and respiratory symptoms. This is partly due to the fact that it is difficult to separate the effects of known air quality pollutants in your home from other environmental and genetic factors. If you have a house with several residents who could have respiratory problems due to a dirty air filter, buying a filter every few months may be cheaper than having several people who need to see a doctor at once.
The experts at David Gray Heating & Air have extensive experience and knowledge to help you with your air filtering needs. So there you have it: Air filters are essential for keeping your home clean and healthy. Make sure you replace them regularly according to manufacturer's instructions or when they become clogged with dirt or dust. This will ensure that your HVAC system runs efficiently while providing clean air for you and your family.
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