4 Reasons to Replace Your Air Filter
Replacing a furnace filter or air filter is an essential task for every homeowner. But did you know that according to The Zebra, over 29% of people don’t change the air filter in their homes! When it comes down to it, new filters improve air quality, boost HVAC efficiency, extend the lifespan of your system, and offer incredible health benefits. As a Wichita-based HVAC company, Mike Watson Heating & Cooling gives you four reasons to replace your air filter and help you improve your home comfort during any season.
1. Improves Indoor Air Quality Throughout Your Home
It’s no secret that air filters impact air quality, but to what extent? Hepacart states HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles. This means that new, high-efficiency filters can catch incredibly tiny allergens, dust particles, and bacteria, all while improving indoor air quality in your home.
These high efficiency air filters are perfect for Wichita’s dry weather and brutal allergy season. In fact, these filters are so good at improving indoor air quality that, according to the California Air Resources Board, HEPA filters may reduce particle concentration by up to 48%.
| Takeaways: |
|---|
| High-efficiency filters can reduce indoor pollutants by 48% |
| Efficient filters trap up to 99% of airborne pollutants |
| Whole house air purifiers can also improve overall indoor air quality |
2. Boosts Furnace and AC Efficiency
When an air filter is dirty or clogged, your heating and cooling system must work harder to push air through the dirty filter and into the system. Over time, the same debris that clogged the filter may damage internal parts and increase energy bills by putting more strain on your system.
The Department of Energy states that routinely replacing a dirty filter can improve your HVAC system’s efficiency by 5-15%. By simply swapping out your dirty filter every 1-3 months you can cut back on hundreds in energy bills in Wichita throughout the year. This can be incredibly helpful given Wichita’s fluctuating temps and climate.
| Takeaways: |
|---|
| New filters can improve HVAC efficiency from 5-15% |
| If left unaddressed, dirty filters restrict airflow and damage other parts of the system |
| Routinely changing filters can help you save on energy costs especially in Wichita |
3. Extends the Lifespan of Your HVAC System
Think of your air filter as the lungs of your HVAC system. In order to operate correctly it’s best if they’re clean, unobstructed and well-maintained. Dirty air filters make it difficult for your system to ‘breathe.’ Clogged intakes, trapped particles and dirt buildup can damage your system, resulting in expensive repairs or total replacement.
Replacing your filter regularly is a huge benefit to the overall health of your heating and cooling unit. Clean filters collect dangerous debris, put less stress on your unit, and may even add years to the lifespan of your unit.
| Takeaways: |
|---|
| New air filters reduce stress and improves air flow |
| Routinely changing filters can cut back on the amount of repairs needed |
| Efficient filters can add years to your HVAC unit’s lifespan |
4. Positive Health Benefits
The National Library of Medicine states that a total of 10,000 liters of air enters the lungs every day. This means our lungs muscles are activated over 20,000 times a day! Given how much we breathe in just 24 hours it’s vital to pay attention to how our health is impacted by the air we breathe. Clean, regularly replaced air filters provide a broad range of health benefits including:
| Health Benefit |
|---|
| Improved Respiratory Health |
| Reduces Exposure to Harmful Chemicals |
| Helps Vascular Health |
| Takeaways: |
|---|
| Air filters are one way of improving air quality. Ventilation, and humidity control also help. |
| Consider how different air filters fit your needs |
| Higher MERV ratings indicate better filtration, increasing health benefits |
How Often Should I Change My Air Filter?
As a general rule of thumb, Most HVAC experts recommend changing your air filter every 60-90 days. While this is a good baseline, it’s not perfect. Ultimately, the timeline depends on your living situation and circumstances. Factors such as pets, number of family members, and local air quality may impact how often you need a change. Visually inspecting your filter is the best way of setting a schedule. If your filter looks dirty, grey, or covered in debris, it’s time to replace it, regardless of how long it’s been.
| Filter Type | Replacement Frequency | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-inch Fiberglass Filters | 1 Month | Least expensive, offers minimal filtration. Primarily protects the HVAC system, not air quality. |
| 1-inch Pleated Filters (Standard) | 1-3 Months | More effective than fiberglass, better for basic particle filtration. Frequency depends on dust levels and household factors. |
| 1-inch High-Efficiency Pleated Filters (Higher MERV) | 2-3 Months | Offers improved filtration of smaller particles. May need more frequent changes if heavily loaded. |
| 4-inch or 5-inch Pleated Filters (Media Filters) | 6-12 Months | Higher capacity filters, designed for longer lifespans. Often found in whole-house air cleaners. |
| HEPA Filters | 12 Months | Highly efficient, removes very small particles. Replace according to manufacturer’s recommendations. |
| Washable Filters | Clean every 1-3 Months | Requires regular cleaning, not just replacement. Be sure to allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling. |
The Importance of HVAC Maintenance in Wichita, KS
As we’ve discussed, changing your air filters is an excellent way of improving your health and saving you time and money long term. However, air filters are just one part of the puzzle. That’s why it’s crucial to focus on the overall health of your HVAC system, especially in Wichita’s unpredictable climate.
Mike Watson Heating & Cooling is here to help with your air filter in Wichita, KS. With decades of industry experience, we’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect balance for your home. Contact us today, we’re always happy to help.