An air filter is an essential yet often overlooked component of a healthy HVAC system. This lightweight barrier traps dust, allergens, and other rubbish from entering the air you breathe.
How important are air filters in homes?
At its most basic function, an air filter removes impurities such as dust, pet dander or even bacteria from the air flowing through the system. Not only does this improve the air quality within your home, but it also protects your HVAC system from damage.
Is it okay to not have an air filter?
An HVAC system can run without a filter, but this is inadvisable. Without a filter, the system will draw in debris-laden air and return the same dirty air into your indoor environment, contributing to health problems.
Do air filters make a difference?
Proper HVAC filters can make the difference between stuffy air filled with pollutants and clean air that’s healthy and easy to breathe. Understanding the different air filter types for homes is the first step to getting the improved indoor air quality you deserve.
What happens if you don’t use air filter in house?
Without an air filter, you’ll see a significant drop in the quality of your indoor air, which could affect the health of your family. * Higher Energy Bills: Because the lack of an air filter can cause your motor or compressor issues, the entire system will have to work harder to cool your home.
Why is my house so dusty?
Both low humidity and high humidity play a role in why your house is so dusty. When the air is dry, your air can be extra dusty. But when it’s too high, it can feed mites and promote mold growth. If your air is dry, run a humidifier so that you can reach a comfortable level.
Are expensive air filters worth it?
More expensive filters like Pleated Residential filters filter out dust mites, pollen, mold and pet dander and even bacteria and so are worth the money especially for those with severe allergies. HEPA filters filter bacteria and viruses and are worth the extra money for those with respiratory conditions like emphysema.
Can I run my AC without a filter for one day?
The short answer: You can get away with running your AC without a filter for a short amount of time without hurting your system. That being said, running your AC without a filter for longer than 6-8 hours can cause serious damage to your AC system and significantly lower the quality of the air in your home.
Can not changing air filter make you sick?
If the filter’s dirty, everything past the filter is dirty too, including the air you breathe. This pumps your home full of dust and allergens. Speaking of allergens, they can cause a number of physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, tightness in your chest, and a mess of cold symptoms you may not be able to shake.
How often should you replace the air filter in your house?
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.
Why are air filters so expensive?
The Real Reason HEPA Filters Are So Expensive
Put simply, it comes down to psychology and marketing. We buy HEPA filters and air purifiers to protect our health. And we really value our health. So much so that we’re often willing to spend a lot to protect our health.
Does it matter what air filter you use for your house?
The short answer is, no, they’re not all the same. In fact, there are many different types of air filters available and choosing the right one can make a real difference in the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Does the brand of home air filter matter?
Contrary to popular belief, the primary function of the filter is not to purify the air. It can trap some dust. However, a standard fliter is not fine enough to capture tiny particulates such as pollen and allergens.
References:
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/what-you-need-to-know-before-buying-an-hvac-filter/2020/01/20/c6a1f9d2-36fd-11ea-9541-9107303481a4_story.html
- https://www.ackerheatcool.com/is-it-okay-to-use-your-hvac-system-without-a-filter/
- https://homeclimates.com/blog/air-filter-types
- https://www.barstowhvac.com/blog/what-happens-if-i-run-my-ac-without-a-filter/
- https://upstairsdownstairscleaning.com/resources/why-is-my-house-so-dusty/
- https://apexhvackc.com/are-expensive-air-conditioning-filters-worth-it/
- https://georgebrazilhvac.com/blog/is-it-safe-to-run-your-ac-without-a-filter-a-phoenix-tech-answers
- https://www.averyheating.com/blog/2016/june/dirty-air-filter-heres-what-can-happen/
- https://gopaschal.com/heres-how-often-you-should-really-change-your-hvac-air-filter-and-what-happens-if-you-dont/
- https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/why-hepa-filters-price-cost-expensive/
- https://www.conditionedairsolutions.com/all-air-filters-are-not-the-same/
- https://wentzelheatingandair.com/air-filter-quality/