Increasingly, homeowners want to have good air quality. Luckily, a good air filter can help ease their minds. It can help provide filtered, cleaner air by capturing a high percentage of potentially harmful airborne particles – such as smoke, dust, pet dander and allergens – as the air passes through the filter..
But considering the local hardware store has many brands and sizes to choose, it's hard to know which one is the right for you – and not all air filters are created equal. Below are four steps to consider when buying a new air filter.
After you find the right filter, remove your old filter, put it in a large garbage bag to trap the dust and particles, dispose it and wash your hands. Then install your new filter. Most experts suggest you swap out your air filter at least once a month, but take into consideration the depth of the filter, whether you have pets, live in a dusty or polluted area or if someone in your family has severe allergies. Higher MERV rated filters can be replaced just twice each year.
Looking for more information about indoor air quality (IAQ)? Check out these myths and facts about IAQ and the coronavirus. As the seasons change, it's always a good time to call your local heating and cooling contractor to schedule a tune-up to make sure your air conditioner and/or furnace is operating correctly and is ready to carry the load when the temperature shifts dramatically.