Why Your HVAC System Needs Smart Filters

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Remembering to change the filters in your HVAC system can be harder than it sounds. In addition to changing them on a regular schedule, per manufacturer instructions, you might need to change filters more frequently if there’s an environmental factor that clogs them up faster. But knowing when to change your filters or keeping up on the date of your last filter change can sometimes fall off your radar. Smart filters for your HVAC system can remind you when they need to be changed—so there’s one less thing you need to keep track of.

Why you need to change your HVAC filters

The filter is designed to remove particles from the stream of air your HVAC system draws into your home for heating and cooling; over time, these particles become lodged in the air filter. They will eventually make it more difficult for your HVAC system to drive air through it, causing the fan to work harder. This can make your whole system less efficient, causing an increase to your energy bill, and it can also shorten the lifespan of your HVAC fan motor because it will run hotter and cause more wear.

Why you would need to change your filters early

Most manufacturers recommend that you replace your HVAC filter at least every 90 days, but to get the best air quality, some recommend swapping filters every 30 days. If you live in a place with high pollen counts, you might need to change your filter seasonally to keep up with the extra particles; if you live in an area that experiences wildfire smoke or excessive smog, your filters might need to be changed after a smoke event to keep your system running smoothly. Another common reason to change your air filter more frequently is if you’ve done construction in your home that caused extra dust. Those particles can clog your filter more rapidly than under normal circumstances.

What is a smart HVAC filter?

Smart HVAC filters have a sensor that reads the air pressure in your HVAC system, detecting the drop in pressure as air moves through the filter. The more debris and particles the filter catches, the lower the air pressure will be on the side of the filter opposite the fan. A smart air filter will keep track of the movement of air past your filter and use an algorithm to determine when it's time to change your filter. Smart filters for your HVAC system will send a signal through an app to your phone or tablet to alert you when it’s time to swap out your filter, and in some cases, can monitor your air flow and give you a timeline for how much longer your filter will last.

Where to find a smart air filter

There are currently two types of smart air filters available. One system is from Filtrete and connects to your phone via Bluetooth to send notifications about your air filter. This system can predict how much longer your air filter will last as well as notifying you when it’s time to change it. The downside to this system is that it doesn’t work with Google Home or Alexa, so you’ll need a separate app to use it that you can download from Google Play and the Apple Store. The other smart filtration system available is from Woosh; this system is designed to be paired with your existing smart thermostat through an app you can download on Google Play and in the Apple Store. The Woosh system will also automatically order a replacement filter insert for you when your current filter needs replacing. Of the two systems, Woosh has a higher initial cost of $149, but then costs $22 per filter insert to replace. Filtrete has a lower initial cost of between $25 and $35 for two filters and the smart device that attaches to the surface of the filter. However, if your goal is to create less waste, the Woosh system uses a frame that’s meant to last a longer time with filter inserts that are smaller and create less waste, while the Filtrete system requires the whole filter to be replaced while you keep only the smart device that attaches to it.