Home Air Filter Cleaning and Maintenance

Filter fitness

Along with pollutant source reduction and ventilation, the installation of a home air filter or air cleaning system can offset the effects of indoor air pollution, greatly increasing the respiratory health and general well being of the family.

Portable home air filter units can usually help clean the air in a single room, while central air units may improve the air throughout the house.  Homes equipped with central air systems generally have a filtering system pre-installed, but without some care and maintenance, these filters provide little or no protection.

Choosing an efficient filter

Crunching the numbers

Filter quality can vary widely, so know this before you buy…

Medium-efficiency filters typically made of pleated, woven material are rated at 20-50% efficiency for removing particles of 0.3 to 10 microns (a micron is one millionth of a meter). They cost less than $20, and come in washable or disposable varieties. 

High-efficiency filters are rated at 60-95% efficiency. They cost from $20 for a disposable filter to several hundred for a washable filter.

The highest end of the spectrum, in terms of efficiency, is the HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particle Absorbing) at 99.97% effective. True HEPA filters require a high level of air pressure to function correctly.

Getting the right air cleaning device

Building a better air trap

Air cleaning devices come in many different configurations: portable units for single rooms, and larger central units for big rooms or the whole house.

Smaller portable units typically cost less than $500, with larger or more efficient portable models garnering a higher price. 

Central air cleaners, systems housed inside the walls of a home that work along side a central air conditionings system, can cost thousands depending on the size and power of the device.  Most air cleaners remove particles, a few remove gases (and odors), and some do both.

Mechanical (or physical barrier) air cleaners draw air through a fibrous or metal filter with different sized holes that trap particles. These devices should use high or medium efficiency filters.  Electronic air filters use ions, ozone, or electrostatic precipitators to attract tiny particles in the air and trap them.

Maintenance tips

Keeping it clean

Proper installation, operation, and maintenance are critical for effective operation of any air filtration system:

To maintain filter efficiency, a filter must not allow any air to pass through its settings or seals.  All air that passes through the system must not escape the filter assembly.

Check the filter for dust and debris buildup frequently, no less than once per month, during peak use.  Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding replacement and cleaning.

A pressure gage can help to determine when a filter has become too clogged to function correctly; some air filters include sensors to monitor performance and indicate when a filter must be replaced.

More information on air filters