Do you know how important your home’s air filter is? The air in your home has a huge impact on your health. If the air in your home is stuffy and polluted, it could lead to a host of issues, from chronic allergies to infections. An air filter can neutralize harmful indoor air pollutants and trap dirt, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, spores and other particles. However, most people don’t put enough emphasis on the importance of an air filter until they start experiencing health problems as a result of their current setup. If you have an existing air filter setup or are planning on installing one soon – keep reading. We’ll cover some common mistakes that people make when setting up their own filters so that you can avoid them.
What Mistake Should You Avoid When Setting Up Your Air Filter?
The biggest mistake people make is not taking the time to select the right filter for their home. This is important because the wrong filter could actually make your indoor air quality worse. You need to keep in mind that there are two different types of air filters – whole house filters, and central vac filters. Whole house air filters are installed inside the HVAC system, while central vac filters are for vacuuming your house. They can’t be used interchangeably – each type of filter has different specifications and should be matched to your needs. The best way to select the right air filter for your home is to measure the airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM), the amount of air that’s pushed through the filter each minute. The amount of airflow needed is normally stated in CFM, so you can use this to select the appropriate filter. Once you have the CFM number, you can use this to look up the correct filter size to select. If you have pets or allergies, you should also look for a filter with a higher MERV rating.
You Don’t Have The Right Size Or Type Of Filter For The Area You’re Filtering
Another common mistake is that you don’t have the right size or type of filter for the area you’re filtering. If you have a small room that needs filtered, a large household filter might not be the best option. Either you’ll need to buy multiple filters and change them more often, or they won’t be as effective. The same applies if you have a large area that needs filtered. A small furnace filter probably won’t be sufficient. This applies to the type of filter you choose as well. For example, if you have allergies and need to filter pet hair and dander, you can’t use a high-efficiency filter (HEPA). HEPA filters are great for people with allergies, but they’re not recommended for homes with pets.
You Don’t Change The Pre-Filter Or Replacement Part Correctly
Another common mistake is that you don’t change your pre-filter or replacement part correctly. Some filters have a pre-filter at the top, which should be changed every 12-18 months or when it’s clogged with dust. If you use a permanent filter, you should be cleaning it once a month. You can also use a disposable filter if your filter is HEPA. The filter should also have a reminder on it to let you know when it needs to be changed. Some filters have a built-in reminder that will flash when it’s time to change the filters.
You Don’t Understand How To Operate Your Air Filters
Another mistake people make is they don’t understand how to operate their air filters. People often don’t realize that filters need to be cleaned regularly or they’ll stop working properly. This is especially true for permanent filters, as they can get clogged with dust over time. If you’re not cleaning your filters regularly, they’re not doing their job, and your indoor air quality could be suffering because of it. You should clean your filters at least once per month, depending on the type of filters you use and the amount of foot traffic your home sees. You can clean filters with a vacuum cleaner or with a soft rag and a cleaning solution. Avoid using water or harsh chemicals as they can damage your filter.
Conclusion
The air inside your home has a huge impact on your health. If the air in your home is stuffy and polluted, it could lead to a host of issues, from chronic allergies to infections. An air filter can neutralize harmful indoor air pollutants and trap dirt, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, spores and other particles. The best way to select the right air filter for your home is to measure the amount of air that’s pushed through the filter each minute. The amount of airflow needed is normally stated in CFM, so you can use this to select the appropriate filter. Once you have the CFM number, you can use this to look up the correct filter size to select.