Replacing Filters Regularly Key to Overall Health of Home

Cleaning or replacing your air and water filters is essential in maintaining your home. Renewing your filters will help you save on energy costs and keep your house cleaner. It also reduces wear and tear on appliances, making them last longer. WIN Home Inspection provides a list of filters in your home you should be cleaning or replacing regularly:

Water Filters

• Refrigerator

You should change your refrigerator's water filter twice a year. These filters clean the water in your dispenser or icemaker. They remove small particles and impurities like lead, chlorine and other contaminants that can affect your water quality and taste.

• Dishwasher

All dishwashers have a filter -- manual or automatic -- to grind away food particles from your tableware. These filters need to be cleaned every three to six months, depending on how often you use your dishwasher. Dirty filters won't damage your dishwasher but will make it less powerful.

• Mounted Water Filter

Many homes are equipped with water filters connected under the sink or mounted on a faucet to filter out lead and other sediment. It’s important to replace these filters regularly, especially if you drink tap water frequently. These filters should be changed after about four months.

Air Filters

• Vacuum Cleaner

Consistently changing your vacuum cleaner filter will help improve your vacuum cleaner's performance and ensure good air quality. The frequency you need to change these filters depends on your vacuum cleaner model, so check your owner's manual. Copies of owner's manuals are available online if you lost or threw away the original.

• Air Purifier

Your air purifier will be less effective or may break if the filter is dirty. Most air purifiers have an indicator that will tell you when you need to replace the filter. You should plan on changing your filter every three to six months depending on usage and filter type.

• Air Conditioner

Replacing your central and room air conditioner filters regularly will help reduce energy costs during the summer. You should change your central air conditioner filter at least once a month when you're using the AC frequently. You can buy a service plan that will cover regular maintenance checks and filter changes if you don't have easy access to your central air. Window air conditioners or other room units often have indicators that signal when they need cleaning, but should be cleaned or replaced about once a month.

Clean filters improve your appliance's efficiency and help keep them working at peak condition. You can develop a monthly filter-cleaning or replacing routine and easily incorporate it into your deep cleaning regimen. For more home maintenance tips, click here.

To find a local and experienced inspector near you, visit www.wini.com.