When was the last time you thought about the air that you breathe? Research has shown that concentrations of pollutants can be up to five times higher indoors than outside. If you spend the majority of your time outside, it might not be your primary concern. But as the weather changes and school starts, many of us spend more time indoors.

Using the correct air filters in your heating, venting, or cooling home system can really improve your home and create a healthier environment for you and your loved ones. These small air filters offer much more than just improving the air you breathe though. From reducing the symptoms of allergies to removing pet stink, the right air filter will unlock a world of benefits. In this month’s blog, join Jack’s dive into the various types available, the benefits they provide, and how you can maintain yours to keep your home’s air quality at its best.

What does an air filter do?

We are taking a look at the various types of air filters available for homes and the benefits they provide. Since the same item is called different things in different parts of the country, let’s figure out what we’re talking about first. Air filters are most commonly found in your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system and these are what we’re talking about this month. You might also find them in any standalone air purifiers. An air filter’s primary role is to capture and trap airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. Certain types can even capture airborne viruses and bacteria.

What are the different types of air filters?

There is a wide variety of air filters out there, creating some confusion about which one is best for your particular type of heating furnace, air conditioner, vents, and home heating returns. Each type offers a different function and level of filtration, another concern to figure out. With so many options available, it can be tough to know which is right for your home! Here are some of the most common:

HEPA Filters
A HEPA filter, or High Efficiency Particulate Air filter to give it its full name, offers some of the highest levels of filtration possible. These filters can remove 99.97% of allergens and pollutants from the air, including things such as tobacco, dust, bacteria, and even mold spores. In fact, they’re so good at filtering the air, they are recommended for use by the United States Department of Health.

UV Filters
Utilizing special short-wave ultraviolet life, UV filters are able to kill a wide range of bacteria and viruses. As the air passes through the filter, the UV lights thoroughly disinfect it, removing harmful microorganisms such as mold, bacteria and viruses.

Electrostatic
These filters are made from small cotton and paper fibers, which work together to create a static that attracts dust and other particles. This static helps to stop these pollutants spreading throughout your home, improving the overall quality of the air.

Washable
These unique, sustainable filters are designed to be reused again and again, so although they typically have a higher price tag to purchase, they are a cost-effective option in the long term. That said, they do need to be kept well maintained in order to keep working as efficiently as designed so if you’re looking for a more maintenance-free solution they might not be the best option.

Fiberglass
Fiberglass filters are one of the most common options available for HVAC systems thanks to their low cost and efficiency at capturing dust and allergens. However, they are not always as effective compared to some of the other options already mentioned.

Carbon
Activated carbon filters, or charcoal filters as they are often known, are a very effective filter that can remove Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) from the air. These unique filters work by absorbing these pollutants and have also been shown to help remove odors such as pet stink.

What are the benefits of using an air filter?

Investing in these can transform the air you breathe and create a fresh, odor-free environment your whole family will benefit, including:

Extend your HVAC system lifespan

HVAC systems are incredibly expensive and the costs are skyrocketing. So facing a breakdown is something that no one particularly loves. Having a clean and well-maintained air filter places less stress on your HVAC system, allowing it to run more efficiently and effectively. It will also stop buildup on those sensitive parts most prone to breaking, reducing the risk of a furnace breakdown, saving you money.

Reduce housekeeping chores

A high-quality air filter reduces the time you spend on housekeeping! By removing debris from the air, you will find there is less settling its way onto your surfaces, meaning you do not need to clean as often.

Improved air quality

One of the biggest benefits of using an air filter is that it helps to greatly improve the quality of air in your home. By removing airborne particles, contaminants, and pollutants, you and your family will be able to breathe cleaner and safer air, creating a more comfortable living environment for everyone.

Reduce the risk of illness

Use an air filter to remove the build up of pesky viruses and pathogens from the air in your home.

Relieve allergies

Many people suffer from allergies that are commonly triggered by pollutants such as pet dander, pollen, and dust mites. You’ll be pleased to know that research has shown filters trap these contaminants, reducing your symptoms and providing long-term indoor relief.

Odor-free

Alongside helping to remove contaminants from the air you breathe, carbon-activated filters are also able to eliminate smells and smoking remnants from your home. So if you’re tired of being greeted by the smell of stale smoke or your kid’s pet guinea pig, these types of filters can help you to wipe up that stink!

How to maintain your air filter

With all of the many benefits that an air filter provides, it is important that you are maintaining yours to keep it running as efficiently as designed. Poor maintenance can stop your filter working as effectively as you want, so to keep yours operating as it should, here are some top tips to remember:

HEPA filters
HEPA filters are highly effective and to keep them operating at that level, you’ll need to replace them every sixty to ninety days. Make sure that you keep a close eye on the performance of yours and follow the manufacturer’s guidance. Put your filter specs into your Jack app with a Recurring Task to change it and you’ll get a Notification on your phone when it’s time to change it out.

UV Filters
To keep your UV filter working at its best, you should look to replace the bulb annually if you didn’t make a note of it’s run hours when you first purchased it. Over time, the light being emitted can begin to fade, meaning it is less effective and kills less germs. This is the kind of information to pop into your Jack app when you first buy the UV filter! Then you can always open your app to know how much longer you have to replace it.

Electrostatic
Electrostatic air filters are capable of lasting a long time, but you should look to clean them once a month to keep them working at their best. When washing yours, make sure it is fully dry before replacing it; otherwise, the water can cause issues throughout the rest of your system, leading to some expensive repairs. You should also make sure that you take care when cleaning your filters, the slightest tear can stop them working, necessitating a replacement.

Washable
As with electrostatic filters, washable options can last for several years; however, you do need to make sure that you are cleaning them once a month to maintain their efficiency. Ensure you let the filter dry thoroughly before placing it back in your system.

Fiberglass
Fiberglass filters are one of the most affordable options on the market, but they also need to be replaced frequently. A good rule of thumb is to change yours every 30-60 days, and keep an eye on yours in case it needs replacing sooner.

Carbon
Carbon air filters will usually need replacing every three to six months, depending on the levels of pollutants and odors in the air.

Of course, the lifespan of your filters will be unique to your home and what’s happening there; fires, wind storms, El Niño, a grass pollen apocalypse, molds from hurricanes and Northeasters, stuff happens and your air filter knows it and shows it!

When it comes to replacing your filter, it can be tough to remember the right size that you need. This is where Jack of All Homes Items comes to play: enter your air filter’s size and type, even snap a pic of the package or scan the UPC code with our OCR technology ensures you always have the information when you need it! On your phone, in your Jack app.

Your air filter is essential in improving the quality of air in your home, reducing allergies, and wiping out stinks. Here at Jack, we know that in the hustle and bustle of life, it can be tough to stay up to date with everything you need to keep your home running smoothly. Our new app has been developed to help take that stress away, allowing you to easily add all of the information about your home with a few clicks. You can DIY or you can find a local home service pro in your Jack’s Marketplace to come do it for you. Send them a Task Request and it really is that simple. They get the size and the make of your HVAC, so they can bring your specific parts with them the first time, saving you time and money.

From filter types and sizes to connecting you with experienced local tradespeople, managing your home has never been easier with Jack – if you haven’t yet, sign up for free today and discover how Jack helps you!

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