4 Filters That Homeowners Should Check on a Regular Basis

Increase Efficiency and Protect Health

Filters are an important component of a healthy home life and yet, many of us overlook these tools, leaving them to gather dirt and dust for months at a time. While you may know that replacing your HVAC filters can improve energy efficiency, what about the rest of the filters in your home?

There are plenty of appliances throughout the average property equipped with their own filters. Some can be cleaned and re-used, while you’ll need to replace others on a regular basis. To help you clear up any confusion (and clear out the contaminants), we’ve put together a list of the top filters to check on a regular basis. Remember that neglecting your filters not only has an impact on your energy bill, but it could also harm your health, too.

1. Air Conditioner Filters

Air conditioners are a critical part of your HVAC system. They help to filter out bits of dust and pollen that would otherwise move through the home and reduce your indoor air quality. However, when filters become overworked or clogged, the efficiency of your HVAC system suffers. In fact, clogged filters are often a significant cause of HVAC failure.

Ideally, it’s best to change your filters at least every month or two — particularly if you live in a high-pollen area or have pets that could be shedding dander. Air filters are very inexpensive, and changing your filter is a simple task that you should be able to complete yourself.

2. Air Purifier Filters

An air purifier works to clear the air in your home. These systems collect various airborne particles, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. When your purifier traps these particles, they’re stored in the filter until you replace or clean it. Depending on the type of air purifier you have, you can simply clean and replace the filter; however, HEPA filters must be removed and replaced with brand-new filters.

While cleaning some filters is fine, your homeowner manual will advise how often to fully replace your specific filter. Sticking to these guidelines will help to keep your purifier functioning efficiently.

3. Clothes Dryer Filters

The lint filter and dryer vent on your clothes dryer are more crucial to your maintenance plan than you know. Dirty filters extend your drying time and skyrocket your energy bills. However, the dangers of a clogged clothes dryer filter go beyond higher bills. According to the NFPA, almost 15,000 structural fires take place each year because of an issue with a clothes dryer. What’s more, the majority of those problems come from dirty vents.

If your clothes are taking longer to dry than usual or they have an unusual burning smell about them, this could be a sign that your dryer vent isn’t properly getting rid of air. It’s worth checking and cleaning these filters at least once a month.

4. Bathroom Exhaust Fans

Finally, a clean and well-performing bathroom exhaust fan can help to prevent mold and other types of bacteria from growing. This can make cleaning your bathroom less tedious, and it also helps to protect your family’s health. To attend to your exhaust fan, simply open it up and check its appearance. If it’s been months since you scheduled a cleaning, then it’s definitely time to act.

You can easily dust an exhaust fan with a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner brush. It’s also worth removing the fan covers (if possible) and wiping down the blades with a cloth dipped in an all-purpose cleaner.

Keeping your Filters Clean

Ultimately, your home relies on a selection of filters to keep you comfortable and healthy. Unfortunately, since many of us live fast-paced and chaotic lives, it’s easy to forget about changing those filters. To avoid the unhealthy and often costly consequences of a clogged filter, make sure you check your home regularly for signs that a replacement is needed.

Remember you can always reach out to the team at Bob Jenson for help keeping your home air systems clean and efficient.