Why Air Filter Maintenance Is a Must for Healthy Living
Is It Time to Replace Your HVAC Air Filters?
Your home is your sanctuary—a place where you and your family should feel the safest and most comfortable. But what if the air you breathe inside your home is filled with dust, allergens, and pollutants?
Indoor air quality is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in your family’s health and well-being. Poor air quality can trigger allergies, asthma, and even long-term respiratory issues and certain cancers.
The good news? A simple routine, like regularly changing your air filter, can make a world of difference. Read on to learn more.
SEE ALSO: Homeowner Help: Improving Your Air Quality Post-Renovation
The Impact of Air Pollution in Washington State
According to the Washington State Health Department, the main sources of outdoor air pollution include motor vehicles, outdoor burning, gas and diesel-powered equipment, and even wildfires. When you’re running an HVAC system, that same outdoor air is pulled into your house and runs through your air ducts.
In areas like Issaquah, WA, and the greater Seattle region, seasonal allergens can also exacerbate air quality concerns. Spring, summer, and fall bring tree pollen from Black Walnut, Northern Red Oak, Oregon Ash, and Big Sagebrush, while weeds like annual ragweed, white sagebrush, and wormwood trigger allergy symptoms for many Washington residents.
Without proper air filter maintenance, these airborne irritants can linger inside your home, affecting your family’s health and comfort.
Can Dirty Air Ducts Make You Sick?
Yes! Dirty air ducts can harbor dust, allergens, and other airborne contaminants that circulate through your home, leading to symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and even respiratory infections. This is why experts recommend cleaning your air ducts every three to five years. However, a more frequent and manageable solution for maintaining clean indoor air is changing your air filter regularly.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
The frequency of air filter changes depends on the type of filter you use:
- Fiberglass Air Filters: These are budget-friendly but less efficient at trapping particles. They typically need to be replaced every 30 days.
- Pleated Air Filters: These filters are more effective at capturing dust, pet dander, and allergens. They generally last up to 90 days, depending on household conditions.
Failing to change your filter regularly can reduce airflow, strain your furnace, and even lead to costly repairs. If you have pets, allergies, or a high-traffic household, you may need to change your filter more frequently.
Never Forget to Change Your Filter Again
Keeping up with air filter replacements doesn’t have to be a hassle. Bob’s Heating offers a filter replacement program that delivers a new filter to your door every 90 days. With various filter sizes available, our subscription service ensures you never have to worry about remembering to buy a new one. Simply sign up, and we’ll take care of the rest!
Work with a Trusted HVAC Partner
At Bob’s Heating, we’ve been serving thousands of homes across the Greater Puget Sound area since 1957. As a third-generation, family-owned business, we understand the importance of keeping your home comfortable and your family healthy. Whether you need filter replacements, duct cleaning, or a full HVAC system upgrade, we’re here to help.
Breathe easier and protect your home’s air quality with regular air filter maintenance. Contact Bob’s Heating today to learn more about our services and how we can help improve your indoor air quality.