Mistakes Everyone Makes When Buying Air Filters

When it comes to home upkeep, there are many tasks that homeowners need to complete on a regular basis, but one you might not think of often is maintaining your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system by buying new air filters on a regular basis. The air filters in your HVAC system clean the air before it enters your home, and replacing them annually keeps the air in your home free from pollutants and your HVAC system running smoothly.

Because HVAC systems vary from house to house, air filters are available in tons of different sizes, materials, and thicknesses. How do you figure out what size to buy, or if you should buy an air filter made of fiberglass or pleated paper? Buying air filters can be confusing and overwhelming, but knowing the possible mistakes you might make in the buying process will help ensure you buy the correct air filter for your home, per Discount Filters.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when buying air filters is purchasing the wrong size. Buying the wrong size air filter can negatively impact your HVAC system, air quality, and utility bill. If you buy an air filter that is too small, unfiltered air will move around it, bringing all kinds of pollutants into your home. On the other hand, if you buy a filter that is too big, it won't fit into your HVAC system. You'll have to buy another filter or go back to using the old one, which won't filter the air in your home as well and could damage your system if dust and debris accumulate. In both scenarios, buying the wrong size air filter can increase your utility bill because your HVAC system won't function properly, as noted by Aabel.

To avoid buying the wrong size air filter, make sure to measure the space for your filter before buying one. There are standard sizes that air filters come in, but to make sure you buy the correct size, measure the length and width of your old filter. Then when you are in the home improvement store, make sure your measurements match the measurements on the air filter you purchase.

In addition to buying the wrong size air filter, there are several other mistakes that homeowners tend to make when buying air filters for their homes, according to Consumer Reports. An example is buying the wrong filter type. Not only do filters vary by size, but they also vary in thickness and material. Air filters can be anywhere from 1 to 5 inches thick, and they can be made from various materials such as fiberglass or pleated paper. To avoid buying the wrong type of filter and prevent confusion in the home improvement store, note how thick your current filter is and the air filter's material. 

Remember that your air filter keeps the air in your home clean by preventing pollutants from entering. Replacing your air filter on a regular basis with one that is the correct size, thickness, and material will help ensure the air in your home is safe and protect everyone in your home from pollutants.