Knowing When to Change Your Air FilterYou should change your air filter between every 15,000 and 30,000 miles, depending on your make and model, as well as the driving conditions that you regularly travel in. The more you drive, the more frequently you should change your air filter. Show
Even if you only drive occasionally, you should aim to replace your air filter every three years. This is because air filters become brittle with age, regardless of how much they are used. An old filter media is more likely to tear, allowing sand, dirt and other potentially dangerous particles into the engine. Consult your vehicle handbook for model-specific advice on how often you should change your air filter. If you drive frequently in any of the following conditions, you are likely to require a replacement before your vehicle handbook’s recommended interval for a new filter:
Note: most modern cars have two air filters: one for the engine and one for the cabin. The cabin filter should be replaced periodically, though at different intervals to the engine air filter. When was the last time you changed your home’s air filter? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time to do it again. And if you’ve never changed it, get ready to add a new task to your to-do list. Experts say most homeowners should change their air filters every three months. If you haven’t been changing yours on schedule, don’t panic. It’s generally an easy maintenance task that doesn’t require any special skills. But first, let’s look at what your air filter does and why you need to change it. Table of Contents:
1. What does your air filter do?Your air filter is part of your HVAC system — heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Its job is to collect particles and contaminants as the air passes through the system. Depending on the level of filtration, it can block dust, dirt, pet hair, carpet fibers, lint, mold and even bacteria. That’s important for two reasons. First, the filter keeps these particles out of the HVAC’s sensitive equipment. Without a working filter, dust can build up and jam moving parts, like valves and fan motors. Second, the filter catches contaminants out of the air as it cycles through the system, so the air that is released back into the house is cleaner for you to breathe. Related article The Best 10 Ways to Maintain Your HouseYour house is most likely the most expensive purchase of your lifetime — and a safe haven that provides a hub for everyday activities, relaxation and making memories. It doesn’t remain in great shape without some effort, but with some loving care and an organized maintenance schedule, you can manage the upkeep without added stress… 2. Why change your air filter?When an air filter does its job, it starts to fill up with dust and dirt. Eventually this buildup makes it harder for air to pass through the filter. That means the HVAC system has to work harder to push the air through. The system becomes less efficient, and you end up with higher utility bills. Additionally, the harder the system has to work, the more wear and tear — and that can cause parts to malfunction, leading to expensive repair bills. Related article Signs Something Has Gone Wrong with Your Electrical SystemFortunately, it’s not hard to make sure your electrical system stays in tip-top shape. Just pay attention once in a while and notice if there are any signs of trouble. Here’re 9 big signs that your electrical system has a problem—and what to do to keep the problem from growing even… 3. What type of air filter do you need?Air filters come in a variety of materials and styles, as well as different filtration levels and price points. You’ll be limited to sizes and strengths that fit your system, but the rest will depend on your specific needs and your budget. Your first step is to determine what kind of filter your system will accept. The best place to start is your product manual. If you can’t find it, look up your model online. (As a last resort, look at your existing filter and note any identifying information.) You are looking for the proper filter size (length, width and thickness) and the approved MERV ratings for your unit. What is a MERV rating? It stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value,” and it expresses how well the filter removes certain sizes of particles from the air. MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, but ratings above 16 are generally reserved for the filters used in highly sensitive environments, like operating rooms and clean rooms. On the 1 to 16 scale of typical filters, a higher number means the filter is better at catching the smallest particles. So highest is best, right? Not necessarily. Just as an HVAC system has to work harder to push air through a dirty filter, it also has to work harder to push air through a denser filter. Some systems are not strong enough to handle highly rated filters, or they may simply run more efficiently with lower-rated filters. Once you know what your system will accept, you can evaluate the different types of filters and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Related article What is Forced Air Heating? Pros & Cons of a Forced Air SystemForced air heating systems are the most popular home heating systems in North America. But how do they work? And are they right for all homeowners, or are there other options? Here we’ll explore how a forced air system works and take a look at its Pros and Cons. Then we’ll introduce a few alternatives that may work for certain homeowners… Here are the most common types:
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4. How often do you actually need to change your filters?It is highly recommended that you should change your air filter in your home every 1 or 2 months. There are three ways to determine when it’s time to change your filter. You can set a schedule based on your home’s usage, check regularly to see if your filter is dirty, or choose a “smart filter” that will notify you when it needs to be changed. If you want to change your filter on a set schedule, there are several factors you should consider when determining the frequency. In general, consider changing your filter every one to three months.
If you would rather change your filter only when necessary, you can schedule a monthly check. In order to inspect your filter visually, remove it from its slot and hold it up to the light. If you cannot see light through the filter, it’s time for a new one. Another option is to install a smart filter. Products such as 3M’s Filtrete Smart Air Filters have sensors built into them to measure air flow. When the sensor detects reduced air flow, it notifies the user via mobile app to change the filter. Recommended for you
5. How to Change Your Air FilterOnce you’ve purchased a replacement filter, the process of changing it is simple. The hardest part is figuring out where it goes. First, find your furnace and/or air conditioning unit. It’s probably in the basement, but it may be in the attic or, especially in an apartment, in a closet. Next, look for the air handler — a big metal box that contains the fan and its motor. Most of the time, the filter is located on the intake side of the air handler. Look for a long, narrow cover and open it. Do you see a filter inside? If so, you’ve found the right spot. If you’ve looked all over the air handling unit (noting that the filter slot can be vertical or horizontal) and you still haven’t found the right place, your filter may be located at an air return vent. Look for an extra-large vent on the wall (or occasionally the floor or ceiling). Once you’ve found the place where your filter goes, your next step is to turn off the unit. Then remove the panel covering the filter slot and pull out the old filter. Place it in a plastic bag (taking care not to bump or shake it), seal the bag and dispose of it in the trash. On the new filter, look for the arrows that indicate the direction of air flow. Slide the new filter into the slot with the arrows pointing toward the HVAC unit and away from the incoming cool air. Finally, replace the cover panel and turn the unit back on. Related article A Guide to Drain Cleaning for Your HomeAlthough there are a lot of different ideas out there on how to keep your drains clean, most people agree on one thing: chemicals should be at the bottom of the list. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of drain cleaning around your home… 6. Where to buy air filtersCommon types of replacement air filters are readily available in hardware stores and big box stores. You can also buy Honeywell air filters online from general retailers or from specialized sites that may offer more guidance and better prices. We hope you find this article helpful, if you do, please share it with others on Facebook or LinkedIn so they can benefit from it as well. Thanks in advance! Related article How to Raise Your Home’s Value with Bathroom RenovationsBathroom renovations are an excellent way to add value to your home. As with any remodeling project, however, you can’t expect to recoup the entire cost of the project when you sell. Remodel Magazine puts the expected value of a midrange bathroom redo at 64 percent of the price tag. If you should happen to sell the house in the future, you’ll… Do you really need to change air filters every 3 months?Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
What happens if you dont change AC filter?If you don't change your AC filter, it will begin to fail. It will no longer be able to filter the air properly, letting dust and contaminants get into the AC. Dust jams the moving parts of an AC such as fan motors and valves. Airflow is restricted which creates a strain on the system.
How do I know if my home air filter needs changing?5 Signs Your Air Filter Needs to Be Replaced. Dust and Dirt Around Vents. Dust and dirt collecting around AC vents may be caused by a clogged air filter. ... . The Filter Looks Dirty or Clogged. ... . Rise in Electricity Bill. ... . It Takes Longer to Heat or Cool Your Home. ... . The AC Unit Is Hot.. Should you change your air filter every 30 days?It's recommended the average use of your air filters is between 20 to 45 days. Any longer periods than that can be detrimental to health.
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