Function of HVAC filter in your home’s HVAC system
An HVAC filter works just like any other air filters. First, air enters your home’s HVAC equipment. Then the air is conditioned to be dispersed back into your home. As air is pushed through the filter, its pleated component extracts the particulates and other harmful contaminants that may be running through the air. Normally, people would think that pollution is only evident outdoors. However, it is highly likely that the air inside your home is also polluted. Some of the major origins of indoor air pollution are identified as the following: smoke, gases, mold and pollen, household products and pesticides, asbestos, lead, and formaldehyde.
Typically, being exposed to these harmful pollutants in the long term will cause a feeling of discomfort. This feeling eventually improves when you have withdrawn yourself from the indoor environment. However, there are more serious cases wherein long-term exposure to harmful indoor pollutants can lead to Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ is a serious form of pneumonia which is lung inflammation that’s usually brought by infection.
Changing and Maintaining the HVAC filter of your home’s HVAC system
Changing your HVAC filter is relatively easy and quick. Simply slide out the old filter and then slide in the new and clean one. For an electrostatic filter, you can take it out, wash it, then slide it back in your HVAC system. Make sure that it’s facing in the same direction when you slide it back in. If there’s anything that’s challenging about the task, it’s when you need to set up a ladder to be able to reach the intake vents that are in the ceiling.
In such cases when a ladder is needed, it is recommended that you change your filter while the AC is turned on and running. This will suction the filter and hold it in place. Afterwards, safely close the intake vent cover and then secure it before you go down.
When changing your HVAC filter, remember to solely use undamaged ones. Check if there are any gaps around the frame. When there are gaps, it means that your filter is in the wrong size. Using a rag, remove any residual dust that you see on the vent. Record the activity in a calendar and set up a reminder for the next date that you need to change your HVAC filter.
As for maintaining the HVAC filter, remember to change or wash it at least every three months. Normally, you shouldn’t go more often than this time frame. However, it’s fine to do a monthly inspection on your HVAC filter. In case you see that your HVAC filter is clogged or dirty after doing an inspection, you can decide to replace it. When air filters are dirty, they can reduce the airflow of your home’s HVAC system. They can also cause the fans to work harder and eventually wear out sooner. Other effects of a dirty air filter include accumulation of contaminants in your HVAC system’s ductwork as well as bringing back the harmful elements into your home which should have been filtered out of your air. For an easy way to check if you need to change your air filter, just hold your air filter up to a light. When there’s no light coming through the air filter, it means that it is time to change or clean it.
In such cases when a ladder is needed, it is recommended that you change your filter while the AC is turned on and running. This will suction the filter and hold it in place. Afterwards, safely close the intake vent cover and then secure it before you go down.
When changing your HVAC filter, remember to solely use undamaged ones. Check if there are any gaps around the frame. When there are gaps, it means that your filter is in the wrong size. Using a rag, remove any residual dust that you see on the vent. Record the activity in a calendar and set up a reminder for the next date that you need to change your HVAC filter.
As for maintaining the HVAC filter, remember to change or wash it at least every three months. Normally, you shouldn’t go more often than this time frame. However, it’s fine to do a monthly inspection on your HVAC filter. In case you see that your HVAC filter is clogged or dirty after doing an inspection, you can decide to replace it. When air filters are dirty, they can reduce the airflow of your home’s HVAC system. They can also cause the fans to work harder and eventually wear out sooner. Other effects of a dirty air filter include accumulation of contaminants in your HVAC system’s ductwork as well as bringing back the harmful elements into your home which should have been filtered out of your air. For an easy way to check if you need to change your air filter, just hold your air filter up to a light. When there’s no light coming through the air filter, it means that it is time to change or clean it.