HVAC Filter Maintenance: Tips & Best Practices

It is extremely important that washable and/or disposable (i.e. fiberglass) filters are regularly maintained. As when arteries to the heart become restricted and can cause heart problems, running your home comfort system with dirty filters can cause problems for the system.

One of the problems that can occur is that the dirt starts accumulating on the evaporator coil for the air conditioner (i.e. if you visualize what your dryer filter looks like after you dry a load of clothes, that is what the evaporator coils begin looking like). Therefore, we recommend if using a washable or “standard” disposable filter that you wash and/or change the filter once a month. It is recommended that electronic air cleaner cells and pre-filters be washed monthly. For media type filters (i.e. Aprilaire or Honeywell air cleaner), it is recommended these be changed annually as per the manufacturer.

  • A rectangular air vent with a filter being accessed, built into a white wall.

  • Hand holding a dirty furnace filter, showing its dimension: 16x20x1. The filter is being replaced.

  • Air filter being replaced in a home's HVAC system. New filter in brown frame, ventilation duct on the right.

  • Space-Gard air cleaner filter and housing next to a furnace. White and tan colors.

Below are samples of what can happen if you do not maintain your filter.

Close-up view of a rectangular, weathered, gray metal object with a handle attached at the top.
Close-up of a rectangular, metallic component heavily coated in thick, grey, dried residue.

Why Choose Aprilaire

When you choose a genuine Aprilaire Air Filter, you're choosing Healthy Air. You're also helping to both protect your HVAC systems from fewer service calls and make them last.

Genuine Aprilaire filters are specifically engineered to work with your Aprilaire air cleaner. They are effective for 6-12 months compared to the traditional 1-3-month filter, saving you time and money. Our 4-inch filters provide more filter area for harmful particles to be captured compared to the traditional 1-inch filters. Aprilaire's patented self-seal technology assures no air will pass by unfiltered, keeping your home clean and HVAC system operating at peak performance. *

MERV 13 and MERV 16 filters were included in Consumer Reports’ 2020 Air Filter Ratings*

Features and benefits of aprilaire media filter offerings

ALLErgy & asthma

REMOVES UP TO 99% OF ASTHMA TRIGGERs

  • MERV 16 performance
  • Low resistance
  • Removes up to 99% of allergy & asthma triggers
  • Superior system protection
  • Up to 6-month filter life

odor reduction

removes pet & cooking odors, vocs & particulate

  • MERV 13 performance plus odor reduction
  • The most activated carbon added to any air filter
  • Reduces noticeable odors caused by pets, cooking and common household VOCs
  • Up to 6-month filter life

healthy home

removes pet & cooking odors, vocs & particulate

  • MERV 13 performance
  • Designed for homeowners with low-to-moderate allergy problems
  • Low resistance
  • Up to 1-year filter life

clean air

vacuum and dust less often

  • MERV 11 performance
  • Particulate removal, system protection and static pressure superior to 1" filters
  • Vacuum and dust less often
  • Up to 1-year filter life

Maintain peak HVAC efficiency with regular filter care. Schedule your service by calling (847) 934-3900 today.

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