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The importance of high-quality, effective air filtration reached new heights recently when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for Tokyo was diverted to Seattle due to a faulty air filter. While airplanes may not be part of your daily life, this example demonstrates the importance of filtration.
To better understand how filtration affects you, consider these everyday tasks that use filters:
We take these filters for granted on a daily basis but imagine if any one of them were to fail. A lot of homeowners continue to overlook the importance of a clean air filter in their HVAC system. The result can be increased energy bills at best and complete system failure or irreparable health problems at worst.
Many people are shocked to learn that there are thousands of pollutants found within their homes. A clean air filter can trap many of these pollutants, and other measures can be taken to further improve indoor air quality.
Here's a very short list of some common pollutants found in homes:
Note: Indoor air commonly contains a mix of particles and gases from building materials, cleaning products, pets, and outdoor infiltration. Controlling sources and filtering the air are core EPA recommendations.
Breathing dirty air puts you at risk for asthma, allergies and other respiratory ailments. Machines also need clean air to function properly. According to the Department of Energy, an ill-fitting or clogged air filter can increase energy costs. Cleaning or replacing a dirty AC filter can lower energy use by about 5–15% and protects coils from fouling—simple maintenance that pays for itself.
In a study conducted by Old Dominion University, air filter problems during heavy usage can increase energy bills by as much as 70%. It's not just the dollar signs that are alarming here; clogged vents and dirty coils can cause your HVAC system to freeze up and fail in the summer; in winter, dust and lint that bypass filtration can overheat on electric elements or burners, increasing safety risks—another reason to keep filters clean and correctly sized.
A filter failure may be obvious when it comes to your morning cup of coffee. But since the majority of your heating and cooling system is not visible, nor are the pollutants in the air visible, system and health problems may go unnoticed. While not nearly as satisfying as drinking a cup of coffee, changing the air filter in your home should be at the top of your priority list every month as it protects your family's health and saves you money.
Filters are graded by MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), which indicates how effectively a filter captures particles roughly 0.3–10 microns in size. A higher MERV means finer particle capture, and many homes can use MERV 11–13 to better catch pollen, pet dander, and smoke particles—provided the equipment can handle the additional airflow resistance.
Tip: Before upgrading, confirm fan capacity and pressure drop so airflow and comfort don’t suffer. ASHRAE notes higher-efficiency filters can increase pressure drop; systems should be checked before stepping up.
Source control + filtration + ventilation is the winning trio. Use kitchen/bath fans, avoid high-VOC products when possible, and add a correctly sized portable air cleaner in rooms you occupy most.
FilterBuy makes your life easier by giving you a 5% discount on recurring orders and guaranteeing you'll always have clean furnace filters on hand when you need them. To learn more about protecting your family's health with cleaner indoor air, contact FilterBuy and let us help you choose the best filtration products to meet your needs.
If you need professional help, Filterbuy HVAC Solutions can inspect airflow, verify the highest MERV your system can safely handle, and service coils/ducts as needed to keep efficiency high.
It removes particles and contaminants that harm health, raise energy bills, and wear out engines and appliances.
Check every month. Replace at least every 90 days. Change sooner with pets, high dust, smoke, or allergies.
MERV 8 is a common baseline; many systems can handle MERV 11–13 for better pollen and dander capture. Confirm your system can support it.
Yes, choose HEPA units sized to the room and keep doors/windows closed while they run.
They restrict airflow, make equipment work harder, and can increase utility bills and repair risk.
Look for visible loading, more dust, allergy flare-ups, longer run times, or weak airflow.
A sealed HEPA vacuum traps fine dust and dander instead of blowing it back into the room, improving indoor air.
Clean the lint filter every load and have the vent inspected/cleaned yearly to maintain airflow and reduce fire risk.
Only if your equipment can handle the added resistance. When in doubt, ask a pro to check airflow and static pressure.
Follow your manual for engine air, oil, fuel, and cabin filters. Timely changes protect performance and passengers.
If you notice weak airflow, hot/cold spots, musty odors, frequent dust, or you’re unsure which filter your system can support, book a service visit.
