Why Is My Air Filter Black?
A black air filter can mean a variety of impurities are impacting your home’s indoor air quality.
Not only can a debris-filled air filter lead to dirty air in an environment, but it can also reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system.
4 Reasons Your Air Filters Are Turning Black
Here are a few possible reasons your air filters are turning black.
1. Old Filters
If you don’t change your air filter often, it can get black just from time and the accumulation of too much dirt and debris. Most experts recommend changing your air filter after every season, so four times a year. You should replace the filters around your home at least once a month. Letting it go longer than that will leave you with a dirty and debris-filled filter.
2. Smokers in the Home
If you or someone you live with smokes inside the home, you could wind up with an air filter that’s black. Smoking adds a lot of impurities to the air in your home, such as soot, which eventually find their way to your air filter.
3. Pet Dander
If you have a lot of four-legged family members in your home, the pet dander they shed will eventually find its way into your air filter. Dander can lead to a black air filter, so it is doubly important that you check and change filters when living with pets.
4. Mold
Mold is one of the more concerning reasons your air filter might be turning black. If you suspect mold is a possible cause of your black air filter, have it replaced immediately and find the source of the mold to prevent health problems for you and your family.