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05.12.2024
Brooke Kirshne
As health problems are increasing day by day, people are becoming more concerned about their health and the type of air quality they have in their indoor space. To enhance the quality of an indoor environment, you need to use an air filter. The air filter will help you to keep the air in your house clean and fresh, and along with this, it will increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. Air filters are very effective at trapping dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles so that they do not spread in your living area. But keeping these filters in good condition is very important to provide you with superior air quality and prevent your system from damage.
However, you will find a lot of people who do not have a greater knowledge of air filters, and they are not aware of the maintenance and cleaning process. As a result, it can lead to poor air quality, higher energy bills, and even health issues like allergies or asthma. So in this blog, you will come to know about some of the mistakes that you usually make when using an air filter and corrective measures that you can take to avoid these mistakes.
1. Choosing The Wrong Filter Size
One of the most common mistakes that people make while purchasing an air filter is buying the wrong air filter size. If you do not know the exact size of your air filter, then there can be gaps around your HVAC system and air filter. This allows dust, dirt, and other airborne particles to pass through the air filter and enter your indoor spaces. In case you buy an air filter that is too big, it will not fit into your air filter, so knowing the accurate size of your air filter is very important.
To avoid this mistake, you should know the exact size of the air filter. You can do this by measuring the size of the air filter that you are currently using. You need to check the length, width, and thickness, or you can even check the manual attached to the air filter. Once you are using the correct air filter size, it will help you to provide cleaner and healthier air, as it will capture all the particles present in the indoor environment. Along with this, it will enhance the overall efficiency of your HVAC system.
2. Not Replacing Filters Regularly
If you are not replacing your air filter regularly, then this is also a very big mistake since the dust, debris, pollen, and airborne particles get collected in your air filter and this may clog or completely block the air filter. In such cases, your HVAC system has to work hard to give clean and fresh air. As a result, your HVAC system can overheat, and electricity bills will also increase quickly. So if you do not replace your air filters properly, the air quality will decrease, and this may cause a problem for those who are suffering from respiratory problems.
In order to avoid this problem, you need to check your air filters for replacement regularly. For households with pets, allergies, or high HVAC consumption, look at your air filters regularly and replace them every 1-3 months. Once you start maintaining your air filters regularly, you can find the maximum airflow, extended life of your HVAC system, and a clean and healthy indoor environment. It also helps reduce energy costs and keeps your home comfortable all year round.
3. Ignoring The MERV Rating
Considering the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating is very important while buying an air filter, and many people are not aware of the MERV rating and do not know that choosing a filter without considering the MERV rating can result in insufficient filtering or excessive stress on your HVAC system. If your system is not able to make for a low MERV rating, then it may fail to trap tiny particles, or a system with a high MERV rating may decrease airflow if not made for it. So before buying a filter, it becomes mandatory to check the MERV rating required by your air filter.
To avoid such types of problems, you can first start by having a deeper knowledge of MERV rating. If you need one, you can know which MERV rating air filter you need. If you are choosing an air filter for your house, you can select MERV ratings of 8 and 11, but in case you need higher air quality since there are people who have allergies or pets living along with you, then you can choose a MERV 13 air filter. If you are not aware, you can always check with an expert. Using the correct MERV rating increases air quality and, along with that, ensures that the air is circulated properly in the air filter.
4. Choosing The Wrong Type Of Air Filter
There are different types of air filters available in the market; you should know the type of air filter you need so that all your requirements are fulfilled. Many people are not aware of the type of air filter they will require and then end up buying the wrong type of air filter. If they select an air filter that has superior air filtration ability or can remove odor, then this type of air filter might not be suitable for a normal household where pets and allergy sufferers are not living. In addition to this, the HVAC system might not be made to handle this type of air filter.
So to avoid this type of problem, it is always advised that you first check your air quality requirements and then choose an air filter based on that. If you require additional allergen filtering, choose a HEPA or high-MERV filter. If you are facing a problem of unpleasant smells, then you can think of using an activated carbon filter. In case you do not require any of these, you can buy MERV 8 or 11 rating air filters since they are best for improving normal air quality.
5. Installing Your Filter Incorrectly
Many people try to install their filters themselves without knowing how to place them correctly. You will find a lot of people who usually place their filters upside down or do not properly secure them. This is because they do not have the knowledge about it, and as a result, the filter will not be able to properly capture all the dust particles and can even disturb the airflow. If you do not have the proper knowledge of how to install the air filter, then you can avoid installing it yourself.
The best way to overcome this problem is by checking for the manual attached to it where the directions for installing the air filter are correctly stated. To install the filter, you can check the arrows or marks indicating the proper airflow direction. Now you can install it in the same directions so that the arrow aligns with the airflow in your HVAC system, resulting in a secure and correct fit. You can also hire a professional team to install it if you are not able to do it by yourself. Once your air filter is properly installed, it will maximize filtration efficiency, prevent system strain, and avoid uneven airflow, which can reduce your HVAC system’s overall performance.
6. Skipping Professional Inspections
Not getting your air filter inspected by a professional is one of the most common mistakes that most of the people make. Since they think that checking the filters by themselves is enough. They are not aware of the fact that if a professional checks the air filter, then even minor issues such as damaged ducts, improper installation, or mechanical failures can be detected at their first stage, and this can minimize the expensive repairs. As time passes, these issues can have a major effect on the functioning of your HVAC system.
To avoid this problem, you can schedule a yearly or quarterly inspection with a professional HVAC specialist. These professionals can thoroughly inspect your system, identify potential problems, and ensure that all components of your HVAC system, including the air filter, are working properly. Once you get your system inspected by a professional, then they will catch issues early, saving you money on repairs or replacements. They ensure your system operates efficiently, extending its lifespan, and as a result, you can enjoy high indoor air quality.
7. Not Checking For Airflow Blockages
As time passes, it is very important to check that the air is properly circulated in the indoor environment and there is no restriction in the airflow. You will find that a lot of people do not check for obstacles near or around the air filter, which might reduce airflow, and as a result, your HVAC system might not work properly. If you live in a high pollen region or in places where construction is often done, then there is a high chance that your air filter may get dirty quickly, and this can reduce the efficiency of your air filter.
So, to overcome this problem, it is important that you regularly check the airflow of the system and surrounding areas to ensure that there is no dust and dirt present. If you find any obstructions or excessive dirt in the vents and ducts, you should clean them. Once you have cleaned the air filters and the air is properly circulated into the indoor environment, then it will help you to improve system efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and prevent overheating. It also enhances airflow, ensuring consistent cooling or heating throughout your home.
Conclusion
For an air filter to work properly, it is very important that you avoid some of the common mistakes since these mistakes can reduce the overall efficiency of an air filter, increase energy bills, make your system work harder, and moreover, increase energy bills. To avoid all these things, some of the simple steps that you have to do are choosing the right filter size, replacing filters on schedule, and understanding the MERV rating that fulfills your needs and enhances the overall efficiency of the system.
Regular maintenance and taking care of these things will not only increase the life of your HVAC system but also provide you with healthier air in your house or workplace. Fixing these frequent errors will help you save money on energy, avoid costly repairs, and create a more relaxing atmosphere. If you want to buy an air filter, then buy it from Custom Filters Direct. We have a huge variety of air filters with MERV ratings from 9 to 13, so you can buy the one that suits your requirements. To know more about us, you can contact us at (877) 636-2258.
