Home Filter Fragrance: Do They Work?

There are a few ways to make your home smell nice, such as baking cookies or sautéing onions and garlic. If you want a more convenient option, you can use essential oils, air fresheners, or scented candles. However, these products often contain chemicals and VOCs that can cause health issues. An alternative is to use a home fragrance filter, which can be installed in your HVAC, AC, or furnace system. While scented air filters are not very common, they can be purchased online or made at home. However, using scented filters may interfere with the filter's ability to cleanse the air. Additionally, the scent will permeate your entire house, and it will be difficult to change it.

How to make your own scented air filter

There are a few ways to make your own scented air filter. However, it is important to note that the primary purpose of an air filter is to remove dust particles, smoke, and other airborne items carrying germs from the air. Tampering with your air filter may interfere with its ability to effectively clean the air.

If you are looking for ways to scent your home, you can try candles, wall plug-ins, or incense. If you are set on scenting your air filter, it is recommended to use essential oils, as they are natural and do not contain the chemicals that synthetic fragrances do.

Step 1: Buy a New Air Filter

Start with a fresh filter. Air doesn't flow as well through a clogged filter, so using a new filter will ensure that the scented air can move through it effectively. It is recommended to change your air filter every month, and since your oil will last about 30 days, scenting your air filter is a great way to help you remember to change it regularly.

Step 2: Pick Your Scent

The great thing about making your own scented air filter is that you can choose any scent you want! Essential oils are generally easy to find and may be available at your local drug store. You can also try combining two oils to create your own unique scent. For something soothing and relaxing, opt for scents like lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or sandalwood. You can also pick scents that go with the season, like cinnamon or spruce for fall, and orange or lemongrass for summer.

Step 3: Apply the Oil

Once you've chosen your scent, you're ready to apply it to your new, clean filter. Use a plastic dropper to apply 15 to 20 drops of oil directly to the filter. You can apply the oil to either side of the filter, but be sure to space them out across the filter's surface.

Step 4: Install Your Filter

After applying the oil, install your scented air filter into your AC unit. Once the system is turned on, it will spread the fragrance throughout your home.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Essential oils still contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can aggravate respiratory problems like asthma and COPD. Use caution if you have pets or people with allergies in your home.
• Never combine essential oils, as there is little research about their interactions.
• Some oils might break down the filter material, so have a backup filter handy.
• Refrain from soaking the filter and only use a few drops of oil to avoid leakage.
• Ensure that you reinstall the filter properly so that the airflow is going in the correct direction.

Pros and cons of scented air filters

Pros

• Scented air filters can make your home smell nice.
• They can be customised to match your mood and the season.
• They can be used in conjunction with a proper air filter to ensure the scent is added to clean air.

Cons

• Scented air filters are difficult to order as very few manufacturers produce them.
• The scent will permeate the entire house, meaning that family members with different tastes cannot escape it.
• The scent may interfere with the air filter's ability to cleanse the air.
• They may not be safe for people with respiratory issues, allergies, or fragrance sensitivity.
• They may be damaging to the air filter itself.

Air fresheners vs scented air filters

Air fresheners and scented air filters are two ways to make your home smell nice. However, there are some key differences between the two. Air fresheners typically use synthetic fragrances, which can contain chemicals and VOCs that may cause health problems, especially for those with respiratory issues or fragrance sensitivities. Scented air filters, on the other hand, use essential oils, which are generally considered safer. However, even essential oils contain VOCs and can aggravate respiratory problems in large quantities.

Air Fresheners

Air fresheners are a common way to add a pleasant scent to your home. They come in many forms, such as sprays, plug-ins, and candles. While air fresheners can effectively mask unpleasant odours, they do not actually improve indoor air quality. In fact, some air fresheners contain chemicals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be harmful to your health. These chemicals can cause issues such as respiratory problems, skin rashes, and allergy-like symptoms. If you are looking to improve indoor air quality, an air purifier with a carbon filter is a better option than an air freshener.

Scented Air Filters

Scented air filters are a less common way to add a custom scent to your home. By adding a few drops of essential oil to the filter, the HVAC system will spread the fragrance throughout the house. This method is generally safe for furnaces, but it is important to use essential oils intended for indoor use and to follow the use guidelines. Additionally, some oils may break down the filter material, so it is recommended to have a backup filter on hand. Scented air filters can be tailored to your preferences and the season, but they may interfere with the filter's ability to effectively cleanse the air.

Both air fresheners and scented air filters can be used to make your home smell nice, but it is important to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of each. Air fresheners may contain harmful chemicals, while scented air filters can interfere with the air filter's performance. If improving indoor air quality is a priority, a standard unscented air filter is the best option, paired with a separate air purifier if needed.

Do scented air filters work in areas with high levels of pollutants?

Scented air filters can be a great way to freshen up your home, but they may not be the best option for areas with high levels of pollutants. Here's what you need to know:

The primary purpose of an air filter is to remove dust particles, smoke, and other airborne contaminants that can cause health issues. While scented air filters can certainly make your home smell nice, they may not be as effective at actually filtering the air. The added perfumes and chemicals can interfere with the filter material's ability to capture and remove particles from the air. So, if you're in an area with high levels of pollutants, it's crucial to prioritize the filtering function of your air filter.

That being said, there are still ways to incorporate pleasant scents while maintaining effective air filtration. Instead of using scented air filters, consider using essential oils with your HVAC system. Adding a few drops of essential oil directly to the furnace filter can diffuse a pleasant aroma throughout your home without compromising the filter's performance. This method allows you to experiment with different scents and customize the fragrance to your liking.

It's worth noting that essential oils should be used with caution. While they are generally considered safer than synthetic air fresheners, they still contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can aggravate respiratory issues. Always use essential oils intended for indoor use and follow the recommended quantities to ensure the safety of your household.

Additionally, carbon filters are highly effective at removing unpleasant odours and gaseous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. Carbon filters are often used in air purifiers to eliminate odours and can be beneficial in areas with high levels of pollutants. By combining a standard air filter with a carbon filter, you can effectively filter out particles and absorb unpleasant smells without resorting to scented air filters.

In summary, while scented air filters may be tempting, especially in areas with high levels of pollutants, they may compromise the filtering performance. Instead, opt for alternative methods like using essential oils with your HVAC system or incorporating carbon filters to achieve both effective air filtration and a pleasant fragrance in your home.

Are scented air filters safe for people with allergies or asthma?

Scented air filters can be a concern for people with allergies or asthma. While they can be used to make your home smell good, they can also be a source of irritation for those with allergies or asthma.

People with asthma or allergies may want to avoid air fresheners and other scented products, as the chemicals in these products can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. In addition, asthmatics' lung function has been shown to change when exposed to these compounds.

A 2009 study by Caress and Anne Steinenmann at the University of Washington found that nearly a third of people with asthma also have chemical hypersensitivity, and more than a third reported irritation from scented products. Caress recommends that "people with asthma, many of them should try to avoid artificially fragranced products."

Essential oils are also known to contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can aggravate respiratory problems like asthma and COPD, according to the American Lung Association. Even though essential oils are generally considered safer than synthetic air fresheners, they can still be irritating to people with allergies or asthma.

Therefore, if you have allergies or asthma, it is important to be cautious when using scented air filters and to avoid fragranced products if possible. Other ways to make your home smell good include baking cookies or using air purifiers with carbon filters, as HEPA filters cannot remove airborne chemical compounds.

Frequently asked questions