HVAC filtration isn’t just a requirement for keeping your home clean- it’s a health and safety necessity. Clean air protects the overall well-being of your home’s occupants by ensuring that they do not become ill or develop respiratory issues. It also prevents safety hazards that arise when lint and dust become trapped in appliances that heat up.
Here, we’re going to take a look at how you can get the most out of your HVAC system, so read on to stay safe and keep your space clean!
Purchase the Right Filter
To get the most out of your HVAC system, you will first need to decide on the appropriate filter for your home. This means researching the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of the filter that you require.
Systems with woefully low MERV ratings only catch large particles and don’t really improve air quality. Those with high MERV ratings are often unnecessary in residential spaces and will work your HVAC system so hard that it will break quickly. They also stop air from flowing in a healthy way and don’t keep it as safe as possible to breathe in.
You will want a filter with a rating between 8-12. These filters won’t restrict airflow but are efficient enough to remove air particles including dust, pet hair, bacteria, viruses, and smoke (from cigarettes, fireplaces, etc). In a post-pandemic world, a rating of 11-12 is a good choice.
Clean Your System Frequently
You will also need to maintain your HVAC system to keep it working properly. This means replacing your filter every 30-90 days depending on the lifestyle that you live. A person who lives in the average home will need to change the filter about every three months, so this is a good rule if you’re unsure of how often you need to change your filter.
However, if you have pets, you may want to change the filter every 1-2 months. This is also the case for homes that include someone with asthma or other lung issues. Changing your filter too often can’t hurt, so go with frequent changes when in doubt.
In addition to a filter change, make sure that you clean soffit vents, roof vents, and other places through which air from your HVAC system flows. If these get dirty, they will restrict airflow. In some cases, dust particles trapped in the vent will also be circulated through your home.
Know When to Hire Professional Maintenance
No matter how well you take care of your HVAC system, professional maintenance will occasionally be required. This should happen regularly once a year at the very least. Calling in an expert every six months is ideal because of seasonal changes.
However, there are some signs that you can’t ignore that may mean you need professional maintenance. It’s likely that something is wrong with your ventilation and that it needs fixing when:
- It develops strange odors (usually smoky ones)
- Growling/clattering noises begin to come from your AC
- You are finding the inside of your home to be humid
- Your airflow is much slower than usual
- The system is leaking
Be on the lookout for these signs!
Get an HVAC Filtration System ASAP
Now that you know how to get the most out of your HVAC filtration system, it’s time to get more information on the various options available to you.
