7 Reasons to Continuously Change Your Furnace Filter

There are a variety of different types of furnace filters that are available for homes. Some filters are designed to trap large particles, while other filters are designed to block small things like bacteria, or even viruses. How often do you really think about what you are breathing inside of your own home?

If you notice a large amount of dust in the air, this is a sign it’s time to perform a furnace filter replacement. We recommend replacing cheap fiberglass air filters once a month to keep your air safe. On the other hand, a high-quality pleated air filter should only be replaced twice a year. To help you understand why it’s important to continuously change your furnace filter, we have summarized the types of contaminants a filter removes from the air.

What Do Furnace Filters Remove From Your Air?

Engineers with the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning, have created a system that rates furnace filters. Next time you are in the hardware store stocking replacement filters for the year, pay attention to the numerical number.

This number is a rating system and it ranges from 1 to 12, with the higher number capturing more particles. Depending on what number of furnace filter you purchase, here are a few of the things your furnace filter may be removing from the air in your house. The list goes from largest to smallest.

Lint

We recommend changing the furnace filters in your home every couple of months to remove excess lint from the air. These are small fibers from clothing, carpet and other fabrics. They come loose and float around in the air. When they get pulled into your furnace, the filter you installed traps them and keeps them from recirculating.

On the other hand, a clogged air filter will not be able to adequately remove lint and other particles from the air in your house. To combat this issue, we recommend checking the appearance of your air filter every couple of months to confirm if its dirty. You may also refer to the instructions that came with your furnace filter to confirm if it should be changed.

Pollen

Pollen comes from just about every plant. In the spring and summer, the amount of pollen in your house increases drastically. Since pollen is just a bit smaller than lint, most filters are going to trap these particles and keep your furnace from recirculating them. If you or someone in your family has been dealing with allergy attacks,  this is an indicator of a clogged air filter. To keep your allergies from interrupting your busy day, it’s vital to change the furnace filters a couple of times each year.

Mold Spores

The last thing you want floating into your lungs is mold. Since mold is a fungus, it produces tiny spores. These spores become airborne and float around until they find a nice moist area and then they begin to grow. To prevent the spread of mold in your house, we recommend changing the furnace filter at least a couple of times each year.

Dust

You spend your time dusting furniture, but have you ever wondered what it is you are cleaning? Dust is made up of dead skin and tiny bits of dirt. The only way to prevent the recirculation of dust in your home is to continuously change your air filter when it becomes contaminated. A medium size air filter is able to eliminate dust in your air.

Bacteria

Bacteria can become airborne. Bacteria is tiny, but a filter in the upper or medium range can help keep bacteria from being recirculated throughout your air system.

Smoke

Smoke particles are very small. You will need a filter that is at or very close to 12 in order to trap smoke.

Viruses

To trap airborne viruses in your house, you will be required to purchase a furnace filter that is rated at 12. You should invest in a furnace filter replacement every couple of months or before a new season to stop the spread of viruses.

Benefits of Changing Your Air Filter

In addition to trapping tiny dust and dirt particles, a replacement air filter is engineered to enhance the lifespan of your furnace. A clean filter means that your furnace will not have to work as hard and will last longer. So stop reading and go change your furnace filter. If you need assistance finding a filter or fixing an HVAC issue, give our team a call by phone at (732) 201-3305 or book an appointment online. Team Electric provides HVAC services to homes in New Jersey such as air conditioning repair, furnace tune-up, air conditioning installation, and furnace replacement. Give us a call today to receive assistance!