Are your air filters cold-weather ready? During both the coolest and warmest months of the year, it is vital to remember to change your filters, as this is when your HVAC unit usage is highest.

Air filters are important to not only the proper performance of your HVAC system—that is heating, ventilation and air conditioning—but also your home’s overall air quality. Replacing your air filters regularly can save as much as five per cent on your heating and cooling costs, reduce energy bills and increase efficiency. Find the perfect filter for a healthy home with the help of the following tips and your local Co-op Home Centre.

Changing your air filter

One of the first steps to changing your air filter is locating the required size for your system. Ensure you are measuring for length, width and depth for easy identification in-store. Deciding when to change your air filters can often be the biggest challenge.

Figuring out how often to change your filters relies upon several factors: type of filter your system requires, air quality in your region, pets, occupancy of your home and level of air pollution and construction around your home. Keep in mind that indoor air can be two to five times worse than outdoor air.

Considering your specific needs will help you decide when to change your air filter:

• Six to 12 months: Vacation home or single occupant homes without pets or allergies
• 90 days: Typical suburban home without pets
• 60 days: House with a pet
• 30 to 45 days: Multiple pets or allergies

Selecting an air filter

The spring season brings allergens such as pollen and dust particles. Cool fall and winter air is filled with bacteria and virus-carrying particles. There is lint, dust and smoke that can circulate in your home at high volumes from daily activities throughout the year.

There are specific Filtrete air filters designed with you in mind that can help with all these scenarios. These air filters can attract and retain micro particles for every healthy household.

Replacing air filters is an easy task that yields big benefits for both you and your home.