Furnace filters are a necessary component of any central air system. They are responsible for removing dust and other contaminants from the air in your home. If not removed, these contaminants can build up on the inside of your HVAC unit and potentially cause expensive damage. Furnace filters are meant to be changed on a regular basis to ensure that they are operating at full capacity and removing as much dust and other debris as possible from your home’s indoor air. Depending on the type of filter you use and how dirty it is, it might need to be changed as often as once a month. However, there are other factors that can affect how frequently you should change your filter. Read on to learn more about these factors and other facts about furnace filters.
There are three types of filters that you can use in your central air system: A mechanical filter, an electrostatic filter, and a carbon filter. A mechanical filter is the most common type of filter that you will find in a central air system. It traps dust and other contaminants in the air as it passes through the filter. An electrostatic filter uses electricity to attract dust and other contaminants to the filter and trap them. A carbon filter is a type of mechanical filter that uses activated carbon to trap dust and other contaminants in the air. Each type of filter has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to choose the right filter for your HVAC system based on your specific needs and the types of contaminants that you want to remove from the air.
The frequency at which you should change your filter will depend on the type of filter you are using. A mechanical filter should be changed every month to ensure that it is operating at full capacity. An electrostatic filter should be changed every two to three months, and a carbon filter should be changed every six to nine months. If you are using a combination of filters, you should change the carbon filter every six to nine months, and the other filters every month. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the ideal replacement time for each type of filter in your HVAC system.
There are a couple of signs to look for that will help you determine if your filter needs to be replaced. First, you should listen for a “whooshing” sound when the fan is running. If you don’t hear this sound, your filter may not be catching all of the dust and other contaminants in the air. You can also use a filter cleaner to see if there is a buildup on the filter. If there is a buildup, the filter is no longer doing its job and should be replaced.
The cost of a new filter will depend on the type of filter you choose. A mechanical filter typically costs between $30 and $50, an electrostatic filter costs between $100 and $250, and a carbon filter costs between $100 and $200. You can also purchase a replacement filter that is designed to fit your specific HVAC unit. Keep in mind that you will also need to purchase a filter wrench to change your filter. You can find replacement filters at most hardware stores.
The best way to determine how often to change your filter is to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific HVAC unit. You should also listen for a “whooshing” sound when the fan is running to see if your filter is catching dust and other contaminants. If you notice that your filter is dirty and you need a new one, there are a variety of filters available at most hardware stores.