Its easy to forget, but we wouldnt recommend it.
Getty Images
Changing your air filter is one of those out-of-sight, out-of-mind household chores thats often neglected.
Air flowing through your system may also become dirtier and prone to triggering allergy and asthma symptoms.
Credit:Getty Images
Below, Goddard tells you everything you oughta know about changing your air filter.
Sean Goddard is the product manager forAmerican Standard Heating and Air Conditioning.
Types of Air Filters
Not all air filters are created equally.
They dont look fancy, but theyre affordable and allow for airflow in yourHVAC system.
The accordion style construction for the filter media increases surface area and filtration performance, he explains.
Not only can it trapmoreparticles, but it can also trapsmallerparticles.
Those with respiratory conditions, smokers, and homes with pets will greatly benefit from them too.
Keep in mind that your owner’s manual will provide specific recommendations for your filter.
Signs you gotta Replace Your Air Filter
Sometimes the guidelines are just thatguidelines.
The only way to definitively know when you need a new filter is to do some investigating.
it’s possible for you to also assess the color of the filter.
The darker it is, the dirtier it is.
Not to mention, it might just save you money.
Can You Clean and Reuse Air Filters Instead?
Permanent and semipermanent filters can be, but disposable filterstrue to their namecant be.
Because of how theyre made, trying to clean them could release the pollutants back into the air.
