Breathe Easy: Why It’s Important To Change Your Air Filter

Did you know that Americans spend 90% of their life indoors where air pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher than the outdoors (according to a recent study with the EPA)? Air filters act as your home’s first line of defense against harmful particles and debris. A clogged or dirty filter can harm the quality of the air you breathe and can cause extensive damage to your HVAC system, affecting your health and your wallet!

Here’s a few reasons why you should change your air filter regularly:

Keep your home clean! Your air filter traps a wide range of contaminants such as dust, mites, pollen, mold, bacteria, animal hair and dander, and more. When your air filter is dirty, all of these particles are floating through the air in your home.

It’s good for your health! Poor air quality can lead to allergic reactions, aggravated asthma, airborne sickness, and harmful irritation of your eyes, throat, mouth and skin.

Lower energy bills! When your air filter is dirty and clogged your HVAC system has to work overtime, whether heating or air conditioning. This leads to higher energy usage which results in higher electricity bills!

FUN FACT: You can save as much as 7.5% on your electricity bill when your HVAC is working with a clean air filter!

It’s eco-friendly! Clean air filter = efficient HVAC = less energy usage = happy planet 🌍

Avoid HVAC system damage! Dirt and neglect are among the leading causes of HVAC system failures. Checking and changing your air filters regularly can increase the longevity of your system and prevent extensive system damage.

What kind of air filter should you get?

Air filters come in different shapes and sizes (and colors), but the most important thing to note when selecting your filter is the MERV rating. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is a standard that rates the overall effectiveness of air filters. A higher value MERV rating equates to a finer filtration, meaning fewer particles and airborne contaminants can pass through the filter.

Most HVAC systems have a recommended filter for ultimate efficiency. Your LimRic HVAC technician is your expert source on choosing the right air filter for your HVAC system. Just make sure you get the right size!

How often should you change your air filter?

It depends on the quality of air filter you have. But as a general rule of thumb, you should change your air filter at least every 90 days if you live in a home without pets and every 60 days if you live in a home with pets or have allergies.

PRO TIP: You might need to change your air filter more frequently during peak summer and winter seasons. When the temperatures are extremely hot or cold, your HVAC is running more often which means it is filtering more air through your home, causing your filter to get clogged quicker.

The good news is that changing your air filter is extremely easy, and that the LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air experts are always on call, ready to fix any heating and air conditioning issue that may arise.

Learn more by visiting limric.com or calling us at (843) 256-6469.

LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air  proudly services HVAC systems in homes and businesses in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Summerville, Hanahan, and Goose Creek.