Filters
Air filters should be replaced regularly as part of your regular maintenance in order to keep your HVAC system in great condition as these will help to remove common irritants such as dust, mold spores, pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. It is recommended that you change your filters approximately every 90 days to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Air filters are one of the most overlooked parts of any HVAC system. In comparison to some of the other components, these look lightweight and flimsy. However, they are far from insignificant. Filters make your HVAC system's job so much easier and can actually lengthen its lifespan considerably. If you do not replace your air filters regularly you may find that the dirty air filter is stifling air circulation which makes the HVAC system work harder to heat or cool your property. This results in higher energy costs and also puts unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system.
1 Inch Filters
The typical 1-inch filters are the ones that most homeowners are familiar with. These can be changed fairly easily and are disposable. A lot of people use them out of convenience. However, they only remove around 5%-8% of the contaminants from the air. They are only really suitable for larger dust particles, not smaller ones like pollen and bacteria.
5 Inch Filters (Media Filters)
Another option would be 5-inch filters, also known as media filters. This style of filter has a much larger surface area and captures more particles. On average you can expect up to 85% of contaminants in the air to be removed with this type of filter and it will filter at least some mold spores and bacteria. It needs to be changed much less frequently than 1-inch filters, usually 2 to 3 times a year.