A filter is designed to capture unwanted particles, dirt, and pollutants from spreading in your house. This component is mostly found in air conditioners and even water inlets. Although no one worries about a perfectly functioning filter, a malfunctioning or blocked, one can make your life miserable. One thing you, however, need to know about filters is that they get clogged over time. Particle buildup leads to costly repairs and inefficient flow. How long should it last, and what affects filter longevity? You may ask. Knowing just when to have your filter cleaned, and when to have it replaced is the only way you can prevent inefficiencies in the house. Outlined below are some of the factors that can determine how long or short a filter’s lifespan will be.
1. Filter Materials
The material in which the filter is made of plays a huge part in how long the filter will last. Mechanical filters are the most common on the market today. These work by catching particles not meant to pass through into your home. Although fiberglass filters are the most common, these have to be cleaned severally and replaced if torn. The cheaper filters tend to last only a few weeks to a month before requiring a replacement. Washable and pleated filters, on the other hand, are more expensive but last much longer. These filters can be washed multiple time and still function the same way. All you need to do is make sure they are cleaned regularly to prevent damage.
2. The Size of your Home
The size of your home has a direct impact on filter longevity. For instance, the energy required to disperse clean air into a smaller home is less as compared to a larger one. That said, a budget filter will probably last a lot longer in the smaller house than if the same filter were to be used in a larger home with a higher demand for air or water. That said, you need to consider the home size before ordering for just any filter. Better quality filters for larger homes will last a bit longer in both applications too. If more energy is needed to push contents through the filter, the faster it will wear out and vice versa.
3. Periodical Changes
Experts recommend changing your air filters at the beginning of every new season. This is to say, even the best and most durable filter will have reached its end of life by the time three months are over. For those living in regions that do not experience all the four seasons, you ought to check or even change the filters as needed, and especially after six weeks. This is the only way you can be assured that the filter is doing its job well.
4. Daily Habits
Your lifestyle can also have a significant impact on the filter’s durability. An excellent example of this is if you are a heavy smoker. While opening the window might help get rid of the smoke and tobacco smell, most people find it better to turn on the air conditioner. This means some of the smoke and particles will find their way into the air filters. That said, you are more likely to spend more on air filters if you are a smoker than if not.
These are just but a few of the factors that affect all filters in general. Be sure to shop for the right filter for the best performance.