The Importance of Changing Your Home’s Air Filters
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One thing in life even more essential than a roof over your head is clean air to breathe. That’s why most homes have a built-in HVAC system – that stands for “heating, ventilation and air conditioning” – with an air filter to keep all the dust, pollen and other nasties from circulating through your home.
If you’re like most Americans, you probably haven’t thought about your filter in a while. Turns out over 50% of homeowners have HVAC filters that are old, dirty and need to be replaced, while 30% of homeowners have never changed their air filters at all. Fortunately, it’s a simple job to do yourself, with no special tools required.
To help you get started, we asked the Hippo Home Care Pros for their best tips on keeping a home HVAC system in tip-top shape.
This dedicated team of highly-trained Home Pros has performed thousands of HVAC filter changes, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about the subject. Below, we’ve compiled their best advice to help you keep cool (or warm), stay healthy, and breathe easy.
The Hippo Home Care Pros Say:
How to Clean Your Home Air Filter HVAC System
Step 1: Clean the Air Intake Grate
Next, remove the air intake grate from the ceiling or the wall. Depending on the size, you may be able to clean it in your sink with dish soap. If it is too large to clean in the sink, bring it into the shower or outside and give it a deep cleaning with dish soap. (Dish soap should do the trick, no need for a stronger cleanser.)
Step 2: Inspect the Ductwork
Once the old filter is gone, you’ll be able to see the inside of the intake ductwork. Check for dust and debris, which would indicate that dust passed through the filter system and the ductwork will need professional cleaning.
Step 3: Replace the Filter
Step 4: Make a Schedule
And that’s all there is to it. With a little preventative maintenance, it’s easy to keep your home clean and running smoothly.
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