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Posted on September 14, 2023 by

Air Filters: What Homeowners Need to Know 

Most air filters cost less than $20. Yet, in the long run, they can save homeowners hundreds on their annual heating and cooling costs. They prevent overheating, monitor indoor air quality, and reduce humidity. 

So is that everything there is to know about AC filters? Not even close. Here are some more basics: 

Air Filters Regulate Indoor Air Quality 

Homeowners literally breathe easier with good indoor air quality––and air filters are key to achieving that. That’s because these devices (as the name suggests) filter contaminants from the air. They remove: 

  • Pet hair and dander 
  • Pollen 
  • Cigarette smoke 
  • Lingering odors 
  • Airborne bacteria, including those that cause Covid-19 

Some air filters are better equipped for promoting good air quality than others. For instance, homeowners with the best air quality should purchase high-energy particulate air (HEPA) filters. These remove more than 99 percent of airborne contaminants. 

AC Filter Replacement Is a Quarterly Task 

filterEnergyStar reports that homeowners should replace their AC air filters once every three months. However, they should consider doing so more often if: 

  • They have pets. The more pets in the home, the more pet hair the air filter will have. This refers to pets of the furry variety––not reptiles and fish. 
  • People smoke indoors (and yes, that includes vaping). Smoke particles can take their toll on the air filter, clogging the device in weeks. 
  • The AC system is always on. If a homeowner runs the AC all day, every day, this will also cause above-average wear and tear on the air filter. 
  • The home has undergone recent renovations. Even after the contractors leave, particles from drywall installation, demolition, and appliance removal can linger. To limit how much a homeowner breathes in, they should replace the air filter during and after home improvement projects. 

A homeowner may also consider replacing the air filter if the home feels more humid than usual. A new air filter can mitigate mold and mildew growth, which can cause health problems. 

Air Filters Promote Good Indoor Air Quality 

saveAside from the initial cost, there is no downside to regularly installing and replacing air filters. There are virtually endless benefits to air filters, such as: 

  • They prevent the AC system from overheating. If the air filter gets too clogged, this can impede how air flows throughout the HVAC system. If the AC system can’t “breathe,” this poses the risk of a fire––something no one wants to deal with. 
  • Saving money and energy. The AC system might work overtime to cool the home if it doesn’t get adequate airflow. This can drive up a homeowner’s energy bill in the long run, causing hundreds extra. 
  • Longer-lasting AC systems. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that the average AC unit lasts 10 to 15 years. An air filter regulating air flow can add years onto an AC system’s lifespan––allowing it to surpass the 15-year mark with no problems. 

About AAA Modern Air 

Homeowners don’t have to deal with dirty air filters and all the problems that come with it. Instead, they can rely on AAA Modern Air. Serving Dania Beach, FL, these professionals offer an array of client-centered services, from appliance installation to evaporator coil cleaning. Residents living in and around Broward County can call today to learn more.