Keeping Your Home Air Clean: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Having a home air filter is an important part of keeping your air clean and free from contaminants. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when using their air filters which can lead to poor air quality and even health risks. In this article, we'll discuss some of the most common errors people make with their home air filters and how to avoid them.
Failing to Change or Clean the Filter Regularly
One of the most frequent mistakes people make when it comes to their home air filters is not replacing or cleaning them regularly. Depending on what type of filter you have, you should be checking it every month or two and replacing it as needed. If you don't do this, the filter will become clogged with dirt, dust, and other pollutants which will reduce its effectiveness and could potentially cause allergies or other health issues.
If you have a reusable filter, then you should be cleaning it regularly. This involves taking out the filter from your unit, bringing it outside and using a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris from the filter. You may also need to use a damp cloth in order to wipe down the filter if necessary. Once done cleaning your filter, make sure that you reinstall it correctly before turning your unit back on.
Choosing an Incorrect Filter Size
Another mistake that people often make when using home air filters is not selecting the right size for their unit. Your filter should fit snugly inside your unit so that there are no gaps between the sides of the unit and the filter itself. If there are any gaps present then this allows unfiltered air through which reduces its effectiveness.
To choose an appropriate size for your unit, measure up where exactly your current one sits then compare that measurement with available sizes in stores or online. If you're still unsure about what size would be best for your particular model, then consult either its owner's manual or contact a professional for help.
Not Checking for Leaks
Another mistake people often make when using home air filters is not checking for leaks in their units. If there are any cracks or gaps present then this allows unfiltered air through, reducing its effectiveness even further. To check for leaks, turn off all fans, lights, etc. then place a lit candle near each corner of your unit. If any flickering flames, smoke, etc. escape from any area of your unit, then this indicates a leak which needs repairing immediately.
Using Outdated Filters
Finally, another mistake people often make when using home air filters is not replacing old ones with new ones. Over time, these can become clogged up with dirt, dust, etc., making them less effective at filtering out contaminants. To ensure optimal performance, replace yours every few months.
Conclusion
Using a home air filter is essential for ensuring that our breathable environment remains clean and free from contaminants. However, many mistakes can be made, leading to reduced efficiency. To avoid these errors, remember to always replace/clean regularly, choose the correct size, check for leaks, and replace outdated ones with new ones.