Here at Healthy Home Living Now, we cater to your family’s need for safety and health with our fresh content and news. We believe that keeping your home safe is more than just installing security cameras. Sometimes, the culprit is right inside your home.
They hide in the darkest places, the damp ones, and oftentimes the neglected zones. This is where we guide you through information so you can better decide on the right approach to keeping your family safe. Healthy Home Living’s mission is to bring you the latest information on tools and insights in achieving your dream healthy home living environment.
Why Clean Air Filters Are Important For Healthy Home Living
Your home’s HVAC system keeps indoor air clean by way of trapping germs, pollen, dust, and other harmful particles. As this process of trapping particles continues day by day, it ultimately leads to a buildup of these particles which, in time, can start to impede your system’s efficiency. Furthermore, it can compromise the air quality in your home and may lead to an increase in your utility bills. Therefore, it is important to regularly clean your home’s HVAC filter or furnace filter as part of your home’s maintenance system. When this is observed, you can expect your system to run smoothly and prevent a possible breakdown that can be costly.
An HVAC filter is designed to gather debris and dust that’s lurking in your home’s atmosphere. While it has the ability to withstand a certain level of accumulation over time, it can become overloaded with the particles. With nowhere else to go, these particles go back into the air and start circulating again around your home. You may wonder why you’re seeing dirt or dust on surfaces that are normally clean or on areas that you have just mopped or dusted. If you or your roommate have allergy or asthma, you may also notice an increase in the symptoms. There’s also the possibility of catching colds due to an increase in pollen, mold or other harmful particles that are circulating around your home.
Easy Ways To Achieve Healthy Home Living By Keeping Air Filters Clean
Whether your home has a full HVAC system or you have a window unit, it is probable that it is installed with a filter. The first thing to remember is that air filters should be cleaned every one to three months. Increase the frequency if you have no separate air purifier or you have pets at home.
The second thing to consider is to confirm the best air filter technique which is usually stated in the manufacturer instructions manual. Understand that some air filter units require a full replacement as opposed to getting cleaned or washed.
For air filters that are reusable and therefore require washing, you can follow these steps:
1. Turn off your air conditioner. Carefully open it, remove the filter, and look for build-up. If there’s any excess debris or dust, remove it. Remember to check all the filters if your system has multiple units. If you don’t find any excess debris, you can slip the filter back in and put your air conditioner back together. Schedule for another inspection in the month that follows.
2. Suck up the dust with a vacuum cleaner. You can use the cleaner’s hose attachment when you brush over the air filter and suck up the dust and grime. You can also use a handheld vacuum and still get the same results. Be sure to give any air vents a thorough dust-up. Once cleaned, you can slip back the filter in and replace the cover. Remember to check again after a month. If the filter doesn’t look as clean as you want even after vacuuming, you can proceed with the final step.
3. Wash out your filter. If your manual says it’s okay to give your filter a super deep clean, you can proceed by soaking it for one hour. Use a sink or any fitting basin that’s filled with water and white vinegar in equal amounts. After rinsing your air filter with fresh water, allow it to become totally dry. Give it around 30 minutes for the drying part to help prevent your air filter from acquiring mold. Replace your air filter and then cover. Repeat this process of cleaning by setting a reminder and taking in mind the specifications stated in the manufacturer’s manual.