More people walking into your home increases the amount of dirt and contaminants in your home. Furry pets also introduce hair, dirt, and pet dander. And the more contaminants floating around in your home, the faster your filter gets dirty.
Soot build-up, also called “black soot deposition”, is most likely the reason behind a black filter. Black soot deposition inside your home is more than likely caused by: Burning scented candles. A gas furnace that isn't burning properly.
Your air filter is black because of soot. This sounds scary, but, it's usually no big deal. The good news is that, if your filter is black with soot, it means it's doing its job. Better to have soot on your air filter than in your lungs, right?
Excess Amounts of Dirt and Debris – Including Soot
This is especially true if you burn candles or have a fireplace. They spread smoke and soot into the air, which can settle on the filter. If it looks as black as soot, and you really like your scented candles and lounging by the fire, it may be black because of soot.
Since air pollution is a pervasive and continuous problem, it's best to leave your air purifier on all day. There are no perceived drawbacks to keeping your unit running all the time, and if the filters are changed on time it can help to reduce pollutants in the home.
Yes, it's safe to leave your air purifier on all day. But, you need to make sure that you clean the filters about once a month. The filters trap heavy amounts of dust and allergens which can be harmful to sensitive groups if they're not cleaned consistently.
If your filter isn't dirty despite your air conditioning seeing regular use, then you should inspect the filter to make sure it is installed correctly. If it is, and you aren't making any efforts to keep dust out of your house, call a professional to make sure nothing is wrong with your air conditioning.
If you notice your air filters turning black, it's time to conduct indoor air quality testing. Call IndoorDoctor immediately. They can help you identify whether you're breathing in harmful soot, chemicals, mold, lung-damaging particulate matter (PM), and/or dirty air.
Clogged air filters can dirty your ductwork and leave lots of extra dust throughout your home. Watch out for dirt on your fan blades as well.
A filter that is clogged with dirt is an obvious sign of a dirty air filter. Performing a visual inspection is an easy way to know if your air filter needs to be changed. A brand new air filter is white or off-white in color, while a dirty air filter will appear darker with the dirt and debris visible.
If you leave your air filter in your furnace for too long, it can eventually get so dirty that the unit stops working completely. You should change your filter every month. After a while, it becomes clogged. Of course, it takes a while before a dirty filter causes the furnace to shut off completely.
A clean air filter is off-white in color and will have no dirt or debris caught in its folds. A dirty air filter, on the other hand, will appear gray or brown in color and you'll likely be able to see dirt trapped between the layers of fabric. This dirt is getting in the way of the flow of oxygen to the engine.
The color of your air filter may indicate that your filter needs to be replaced. The color of most new air filters is white or very light yellow or creme colored. A black or dark brown filter may not allow sufficient air into your engine and could starve the vehicle of power, resulting in poor fuel economy.
A visual inspection is usually enough to provide a “status check.” New filters are stark white or off-white. A dirty engine air filter will usually look dirty with visible dirt, dust, or stains inside the pleats. If in doubt, any reputable car mechanic in your area will be able to tell you for sure.
Less Efficient Heating & Cooling
A dirty filter compromises this capability. An absent air filter makes the system's job even more difficult, and can soon lead to damage. If your system gives out on a searing hot summer day or a freezing winter night, you'll have an extremely uncomfortable indoor experience.
Furnaces can produce carbon monoxide, which then leaks into your house. Carbon monoxide can leave a sooty residue and turn your furnace filter black. Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous in high concentrations. If carbon monoxide levels are high, it could be a problem with your furnace.
Air purifiers generally consume minimal energy, with most using less than 100W (between 20-50W on average). Air purifiers with Energy Star certification guarantee energy efficiency. A typical 50W air purifier running at maximum speed for 24 hours a day will cost around $3-4 per month.
The best place to put an air purifier is somewhere in your breathing zone. The closer the unit is to your head, the shorter distance clean air has to travel before it reaches you. In the bedroom, this usually translates to putting the air purifier on a nightstand or small table close to the bed.
The device will work most efficiently if you place it in the central part of the room and at a close distance from windows, because it is through them that dirt mainly penetrates. If you want to use the device in the bedroom, it is best to place the air purifier between the window and the bed.
Do air purifiers help with mold? Air purifiers help capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from reproducing and spreading throughout your home. While air purifiers won't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, they are a great way to control the spread of airborne mold particles.
A red filter replacement indicator appears on the air purifier when it is time to change filter. The unit will show 3 red lights if the air purifier is on Auto Mode, or 1 red light if another fan mode is selected.
Most modern air purifiers are easy to move from room to room, so you may be able to move them around as you need them, making sure to use the best one for each room.
Clogging up your energy budget
The answer is simple. Dust and debris in the filter slows down the flow of air, forcing your heating or cooling system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. This wastes energy and adds to your utility bills.