Many first-time homeowners are new to taking care of their HVAC system on their own. When you’re renting, the HVAC unit is likely to be the responsibility of your landlord or the property owner. This means that new homeowners often don’t know what to do when their HVAC needs some maintenance or repair. Changing your HVAC filter on a regular basis should always be at the top of your to-do list, considering how much it affects your quality of life at home. Read on to learn more about how a clean HVAC filter will help keep everyone comfortable.

How does a clean HVAC filter keep your home comfortable?

Few home systems have a larger impact on the way you feel inside your home than your HVAC. There are several ways that clean HVAC filters help keep everyone comfortable. Without proper filtration, the air quality in your home can become noticeably worse. Poor indoor air quality can have many negative effects on both the health and comfort of everyone in your household.

Breathing in polluted air is connected to health issues ranging from minor to potentially fatal. Poor air quality has been linked consistently to both heart and lung problems, including coronary artery disease, emphysema, respiratory infections, stroke, and even cancer. It can exacerbate conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Experts recommend changing your HVAC filter at least once every 90 days, though some homeowners may want to consider changing their filter more often if they notice signs that it’s dirty. The unit should also be inspected by a technician at least once annually. Anyone experiencing frequent problems or breakdowns with an HVAC system that is over 10 years old may need to consider replacing the system entirely.

What else can you do to improve your indoor air quality?

There are a number of things you can do to improve the quality of your indoor air. One obvious place to start is by keeping your home clean. Good indoor hygiene can reduce the presence of common irritants like animal dander and dust. Focus on cleaning projects that help eliminate allergens, dust, mold, and other common household contaminants. Experts recommend vacuuming your carpets and area rugs at least once or twice a week and regularly laundering items like bedding and drapery.

You should also consider investing in an air purifier. They’re best placed in the most commonly used and high-traffic areas of your home, especially if you have a particular room where you want to cut down on the impact of something like pet fur. Though air purifiers aren’t going to relieve your allergy symptoms completely, you’ll likely see a meaningful improvement.

Ventilation is even more necessary now with the public health emergency caused by COVID-19. The CDC recommends investing in proper indoor ventilation solutions as a part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the spread of the virus. This should be part of a multilayered approach that also includes social distancing and wearing masks when with people who are not members of your household.

Every homeowner should start taking their indoor air quality more seriously. It’s even more necessary now given the threat posed by the ongoing spread of COVID-19. Your HVAC is often your first line of defense against pollutants, allergens, and viruses in your home, which is why regular maintenance should always be a priority. Filter changes should be performed at least every 90 days. Your HVAC won’t operate at peak efficiency with a dirty filter, which can make your home less safe and raise your utility bills. If you’re serious about taking care of your home and everyone living in it, don’t forget to keep up with your HVAC system maintenance.