Indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – which is important to remember when you consider that your air conditioner and furnace air filters are primary factors in improving the quality of the air you breath at home. Remember, too, that dirty filters are less effective and more costly because your equipment must work harder as filters continue to do their job; the more your filters collect, the more they obstruct air flow.

Clogged air filters can cut operating efficiency by as much as 20% or more and even can cause equipment breakdowns. So even though changing or cleaning your air filters is a bore, it makes sense.

If you have disposable filters, change them monthly during the season. If you have washable filters, wash them once a month during the season, too.

A wide variety of filters is available for air conditioners and furnaces as are freestanding devices, either for generally improving air quality or for dealing with specific allergens. Disposable filters are not as efficient as washable ones or electrostatic filters that can remove up to 97% of household allergens, but the disposables cost less. So make your choice by balancing your needs and desires with performance, cost and convenience. Your licensed professional contractor can help you decide among the many options available to you.

In any event, follow all the service and maintenance procedures recommended by the manufacturers of your equipment, including those that tell you how frequently to change the filters. If manufacturers’ instructions are not readily available, again, change or clean your filters once a month during periods of use.