Filter Facts: Are Air Filters Worth It?

On average, Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors where some pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor concentrations. Those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases tend to spend even more time indoors.

The key to fighting indoor air pollution problems involves having the right tools to do so. If you have a central HVAC system, you’ll have air filters that can filter out particles.

So, are air filters worth it? Keep reading to find out.

Are Air Filters Worth It?

Air filters tend to be the most underappreciated part of an HVAC system. Not many know that along with increasing indoor air quality, air filters can act as a line of defense against loose insulation and other large objects.

Not only are air filters worth it, but they are also a necessary part of of an HVAC system. Here are a few things that can happen if you don’t change out a dirty air filter:

• The HVAC system has to work harder
• Difficulty moving air throughout the home
• System overheating or freezing up
• Encourages growth of bacteria or mold
• Air particles aren’t filtered

You should change the air filter every month or two, but you might have to change the filter more often if you live in a high pollen area or have pets. You can slide the old filter out and the new one in without hiring professionals.

Have a few extra filters with you so you don’t have to go out and buy them every time. The c3045 air filter is a great option but finds the right filter that fits your system.

Air Filter vs. Air Purifier

So, how does an air filter work? An HVAC system air filter can trap large dust and dirt particles from the air to reduce wear and tear. It helps increase indoor air quality but won’t make the air perfectly clean.

For this reason, many homeowners opt to have an air purifier as well. Those with a pulmonary health concern can benefit most from an air purifier, but anyone who wants the cleanest air possible will find this machine beneficial.

Air filters are built-in to the HVAC system while air purifiers are standalone appliances. An air purifier uses stronger and denser filters to remove various particles from the air.

An air purifier can complement an air filter to get rid of the following:

• Allergens
• Mold
• Smoke
• Indoor toxins

Keep in mind that to benefit fully from an air purifier, you’ll still need to regularly dust the home. An air purifier won’t remove all particles because they can sit on hard surfaces. Be sure to wash bedding, carpeting, and furniture as well to get rid of dust that sits on soft surfaces.

Should You Have Air Filters and Air Purifiers?

Both air filters and air purifiers are effective in cleaning the air in your home. Unlike air purifiers, air filters are a necessary part of your HVAC system that can do more than purify the air.

Those with allergies and respiratory diseases can benefit most from having both air filters and an air purifier. If you simply want the cleanest air possible in your air, opt for both.

For more tips on the home, check out the other posts on our blog.