29% of people aren’t changing the HVAC air filter in their homes.
While this is understandable because as long as your HVAC unit is working well it tends to stay out of mind, it is a mistake. To keep your system working well you need to not only replace your air filter, but you need to do it correctly.
The problem is that when replacing an air filter there are many mistakes you could make, how can you be sure you’re doing it right?
Don’t worry! In this post, we’ll go over some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Keep reading to learn more.
Forgetting To Change It
As already shown, the most frequent mistake people make with their air filter is that they forget to change it. Not replacing your HVAC system’s air filter has a big impact on the overall function of your system.
If you don’t change the filter regularly it will get too dirty. This makes it more difficult for the air to circulate through and therefore makes your system have to work harder. This means increased energy consumption for you, as well as decreased air quality in your home.
Additionally, a clogged air filter can present a potential fire hazard, particularly when you switch to heating in the colder months.
You should be doing regular air conditioner maintenance, discover more about that here.
Using The Wrong Size
Each system will use a different sized filter, so it’s important that when you pick up an air filter replacement you get one that is the correct size.
The filter needs to fit snuggly in the space in order to cover the entire area of airflow and catch as many particles as possible. If it doesn’t then it won’t be able to do its job right, and the air quality in your home will suffer.
Installing It Backward
When installing an air filter you need to be sure it’s facing in the right direction. If it’s not, the air will have a harder time circulating. When your system has to work harder to circulate the air it puts extra stress on the machine and can wind up shortening its life.
Each filter should be labeled with an arrow that shows the proper direction it should face. The arrow should point either towards your HVAC system or into the ductwork depending on your particular set-up.
Not Looking At The MERV Rating
One more thing that people don’t always pay attention to when choosing their filter is the MERV or minimum efficiency reporting value rating. This is a number that shows how well that filter catches the particles in the air. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles it catches.
If you or someone in your home has particularly bad allergies or other breathing problems you’ll likely want one with a higher rating. Just be sure that your unit can handle it.
Don’t Make These Mistakes When Replacing an Air Filter
Replacing an air filter is critical to maintaining your HVAC system’s health and function. Once you learn how to replace an air filter without making these mistakes you will be on your way to having a better functioning system, lower energy costs, and better air quality.
For more like this, check out the other articles in our home improvement category!
