As a homeowner, you’re responsible for keeping your home’s air quality as safe and healthy as possible. Indoor air quality is often overlooked, but it’s important to understand that it can be a major source of pollutants and health hazards, especially in older homes. Poor air quality can lead to a variety of health problems, including asthma and allergies, and can even affect your home’s energy efficiency. However, many homeowners don’t think much about their home’s air quality, but they should. Fortunately, there are resources that can teach you everything you need to know. If you want to learn more, keep reading to find out why air filters get dirty so quickly.
Why do air filters get dirty so quickly?
There’s no denying that air filters can get dirty quickly, so you may find yourself asking, “Why do my air filters get dirty so fast?” The answer involves several factors. The goal of an air filter is to purify the air, remove dust and other allergens, and can even improve the energy efficiency of a system by preventing the buildup of dirt on components. They eventually get clogged with dirt and debris, leading to poor performance and higher energy bills. Some things that contribute to a quicker clogging of an air filter include usage frequency, type of filter used, climate conditions, ductwork maintenance level, and the presence of dander in the home.
If your air filter is near sources of dirt such as outside vents or high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens then more particulates will be drawn into the system causing faster build-up in the filter over time. Usage frequency also plays a role. When your unit runs constantly due to extreme weather conditions, it may need replacement more often than one running less frequently would require. Climate conditions present in your area can affect this too, as certain climates like humid regions lead to higher levels of dust accumulation
Being proactive about proper HVAC maintenance is the best way to guarantee that your air filter is able to effectively filter out pollutants. That means having your HVAC unit inspected annually by a qualified technician and changing the filter at least once every 90 days. Many homeowners, particularly those who live in humid climates or with pets, opt to change their filters on a monthly basis to ensure peak performance.
How else can you improve your home’s air quality?
Now that you know more about why air filters get dirty so quickly, let’s discuss some other things you can do to improve your home’s air quality. For example, the best thing you can do is to invest in a high-quality air purifier. An air purifier is a device that filters and cleans the air in your home, removing pollutants like dust, pollen, smoke, and other allergens. These devices can make a huge difference in the air quality of your home. Just do your research so you can find an air purifier that is the appropriate size for the room where you will be using it.
Cleaning your home frequently, particularly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, can make a big difference too. You should always make time for deep cleaning at least a few times a year. You need to thoroughly clean your home from top to bottom, as this will minimize the amount of dust, dirt, and other debris that accumulates in your home. This will keep your home clean and fresh, but it can also lower the risk of allergies and asthma attacks. Though it may take some time, it is worth it to be thorough and get to every nook and cranny.
As this article demonstrates, air filters are required if you want to create a safe and pleasant environment in the home. Without them, dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants can build up, leading to numerous health issues. Air filters must be regularly changed or cleaned to prevent the accumulation of contaminants, as they can get dirty quickly due to the large number of airborne particles they collect. You can further protect your home from indoor air pollution by taking steps like buying an air purifier and taking time to deep clean your home regularly. Follow these tips and you can be sure that you and your family can breathe fresh, clean air whenever you’re at home.
