Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Air Filter

It’s every homeowner’s goal to maintain a comfortable living space without racking up ridiculous utility bills. One effective way to improve home comfort and energy efficiency is to give your HVAC air filter the attention it deserves. Use our tips below to get the most out of your air filter and see what a difference it can make.

Why It’s So Important to Change Your Air Filter Regularly

Air filters are a central, but often under-appreciated part of a central HVAC system. They don’t just filter out bits of pollen and dust that would otherwise circulate through the home and lower indoor air quality. They also provide the first line of defense against larger objects such as bits of loose insulation being pulled into the system where they could cause damage or present a fire risk. But if you don’t change your air filter regularly, it can turn against you. Clogged air filters are the number one cause of HVAC system failure.

5 Reasons to Change Your Air Filter

1.) Extending the life of your HVAC unit. The most common reason a heating and air conditioning system breaks down is because of a dirty filter. …
2.) Keeping energy costs down. …
3.) Maintaining healthy air quality. …
4.) Keeping your heating and cooling system clean. …
5.) A clean peace of mind.

Learn what type of filter you need

Filters earn a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) based on how efficient they are. Choose a filter that fits your needs based on these characteristics:

– MERV1-4: A filter in this range provides minimal filtration. It’s best if you want a cheap filter that keeps dust off the equipment but does little to improve indoor air quality.
– MERV 5-8: This is the ideal range for most homes. It’s great at capturing smaller particles that aggravate allergies without restricting airflow.
– MERV 9-12: If you have severe allergies or multiple pets, this higher efficiency could help you breathe easier. You might need an HVAC contractor to boost the blower motor and counteract the airflow restriction such a tight weave creates.
– MERV 13-16: This level of efficiency is usually reserved for hospitals, superior commercial applications and smoking lounges. It’s rare you’ll need such high filtration capabilities in your home.

Remind yourself to change the filter

You’re thinking about your HVAC filter at this moment, but how will you remember how much time has passed since you last replaced it once a few weeks go by? You have a number of options for reminding yourself to change the air filter, including the following:

– Write the date you changed it on the edge of the filter.
– Write the approximate date to change the filter on the calendar.
– Set automatic reminders on your phone.

Make buying replacements easy

It’s a pain to visit the home improvement store every month just to buy a new filter. Plus, if you don’t have replacement filters on hand, it’s easy to procrastinate doing the task. Make it easy on yourself with these three tips:

1.) Order filters from a service that mails them to your home every 30, 60, 90 or 120 days.
2.) Stock up on a year’s supply of filters.
3.) Buy filters by the box for a lower per-filter cost.

Your Northwest Authority in Home Comfort!

Although many homeowners tend to forget about their air filter or change them less frequently, it is the easiest way to maintain clean air, save money, and improve the life of your furnace.

Let’s face it… it was a cold snowy winter in the pacific northwest this winter and your furnace worked hard during those cold days. Get a furnace tune-up today for $25 OFF with Ronk Brothers Heating and Cooling. Contact us or call 360-325-4412 to schedule yours today!