When you are changing your current air filter, you should be aware of the several different types of filters available. All of which come with different performance levels and have distinct maintenance requirements. The three types available for you include fiberglass, pleated, and electrostatic options. There is also a permanent electrostatic option for you to consider.

The disposable fiberglass air filters are designed mainly to collect large particles and substances that include dirt, lint, and dust.These particular filters are considered to be among the most affordable options that you can choose from.

The pleated filter can catch both large and small substances, the latter of which includes such substances as spores and mites. These specific filters usually need to be changed more frequently than the others.

The disposable electrostatic filters are comprised of fabrics that have been electrically charged, which are designed to capture a high amount of small and large particles that encounter the filter. Disposable electrostatic filters are largely considered to be among the most effective options available. The permanent electrostatic filter consists of fibers that have been charged similarly to their disposable counterparts. The primary difference between the two varieties is that the permanent version does not typically capture as many particles and substances. These filters can be washed and are designed to be used for anywhere from 5-8 years before needing to be changed.

The most important facet of caring for your home's air filters is to change them regularly- unless you are using permanent electrostatic versions. For any disposable option, it's recommended that you change the filter at least once every three months, which will allow you to maximize the efficiency of your filters. The primary reason why it's so important to change your filters regularly is because of the issues that can occur when using a filter that has become dirty and no longer circulates air properly. For one, your air conditioner or heater system will not be able to operate as efficiently as it should. You will also have higher monthly energy bills that will end up costing you a substantial sum of money. Some additional issues include: problems with your indoor air quality, particles in the air not being caught properly, an increase in your carbon footprint, and needing to make additional repairs with your HVAC system. All of these issues can be avoided if you change the filters on a regular basis and take some steps to maintain the filters in the months between each change.

One factor that should determine how often you change your filters is whether or not you suffer from any allergies. Although it's recommended that you change your filters every three months, the presence of allergies in one or more occupants of the home means that you should probably change the filters more often than is recommended. By doing so, you will be able to rid your home of any allergens in the air more effectively. If you don't change the filter more often, it may become too dirty to properly capture the allergens that are affecting your health.

You should also change your filter more often if there are pets in your household. Most dogs and cats will shed, which means that their hair will get into your filter. If the filter is left unchanged, the performance of your standard heating unit or HVAC system could become compromised. How often you change the filter depends on how many animals are in your house. The best way to avoid issues where the filter becomes too dirty is to perform checks on the filter at least once every month, which should help you catch possible issues before they become larger problems. You should also keep in mind that animals will invariably shed more during the warmer summer months, which means that this is the time of the year when you may need to change the filters more often than usual.

If you have one of the permanent electrostatic filters, you will only need to change the filter after 7-8 years. However, the filter will still need to be cleaned on a regular basis. One look at your filter may dissuade you of doing so. However, the process is much easier than you might imagine. You should focus on cleaning these filters at least once every month because the airflow through the filter can become worse as dirt and dust builds up. The first thing you need to do is to remove the filter from its housing. Make sure to do so gently so that the filter remains in good shape.

You should then rinse the filter in either a bathtub or a sink. A soft brush should be enough to remove all the particles that have become stuck on the filter. For stubborn particles and substances, consider pairing the brush with a small amount of detergent. After the dirt has been completely removed, you should shake the filter so that any excess water is drained from the fibers. Once you have placed the filter back into the system, the air that passes through it will dry it completely, which allows you to avoid having to dry it yourself. Overall, the cleaning process should take you around 10-15 minutes at most.

The gold standard in air filters are called HEPA filters, which stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. These filters can remove up to 99.7% of contaminates from the air, including mold, spores, dust mites, and pollen. HEPA air purifiers work by using a fan to draw air into a pleated filter. Most HEPA systems also have a type of pre-filter, which traps larger particles such as dust and hair and helps prolong thelife of the HEPA filter.