A high-quality HVAC filter is vital to keeping your home healthy and comfortable. It helps keep your home environment clean and safe, but when is the right time to switch it out? This guide will help you figure out how often to change your HVAC filter based on your system and lifestyle needs.
How Long Before I Change My HVAC Filter?
The answer to this question will depend on several factors, including your filter type, how often you use your HVAC system, and what kind of indoor air quality you want to maintain. Generally speaking, it is recommended that standard pleated filters should be changed at least every three months. Depending on factors such as pet hair, smoke, and other airborne particles, you may need to change your filter more frequently. Additionally, if you have a high-efficiency filter like an electrostatic or HEPA filter, you may only need to change them every six months. However, it’s always best to check the manual of your HVAC system for recommended filter change times.
The Size of Your Home
The size of your home can also play a role in how often you should replace your HVAC filter. Larger homes need larger systems that process air more frequently, meaning they need to have their filters changed more often than smaller homes. However, since this is not the only factor in determining filter change times, it’s best to check your HVAC system manual for specific recommendations.
Pets
If you have pets, you should also take their presence into consideration when deciding how often to change your filter. Pet hair, dander, and other allergens can quickly build up in a filter and reduce the air quality of your home. By replacing your filter regularly, you can keep these allergens under control and maintain a healthy indoor environment.
HVAC System Use
The amount of use your HVAC system gets can also be a factor when deciding how often you should change your filter. Systems that are used more frequently need to have their filters changed more often than those that are used less often. Additionally, if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, such as a desert climate, it’s important to change your filter more often since the system will be working harder. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should change your HVAC filter. While it’s generally recommended that standard filters should be changed every two to three months, other factors such as air quality, HVAC use, and the presence of pets in your home can also affect your decision.
Why Should You Change Your Air Filter Frequently?
There are several important reasons why you should change your HVAC filter regularly. First, a dirty air filter can make it harder for your system to circulate air throughout your home, leading to poor air quality and making your home uncomfortably warm or stuffy. Additionally, a clogged filter can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, leading to higher energy bills.
Indoor And Outdoor Air Quality
Among the factors that determine how often you should change your HVAC filter is the indoor and outdoor air quality. The more polluted the outdoor air, the more frequently you should change your filter. Replacing an old filter regularly will ensure that your system isn’t overworking itself to try and provide clean air in a heavily polluted environment.
Allergies And Asthma Relief
Another factor to consider is allergies and asthma relief. If you or any members of your family suffer from either of these conditions, it’s important that you change your filter regularly. This will help reduce the number of irritants present in your home environment and make breathing easier for everyone living there.
How to Visually Inspect Your HVAC Air Filters
Checking your filter monthly is the best way to determine when it’s time to replace your filter. To do this, simply remove the filter from your HVAC system and inspect it for any signs of dirt or dust buildup. If you notice that the filter looks dirty or clogged, it’s probably time to replace it. To inspect your filter, hold it close to a light source. If the light passes through the filter easily, it’s still clean and you don’t need to replace it yet. However, if the light doesn’t pass through, or if you notice dirt on either side of the filter, then it is time to replace it.
Can I Run My HVAC System Without Using a Filter?
While the absence of an air filter will not prevent your HVAC system from working, it is not recommended. Without a filter, dust, dirt, and other allergens can easily enter your home through your HVAC system, reducing the air quality inside. As such, it’s important always to use a filter when running your HVAC system.
What Happens If I Don’t Change My HVAC Filter Regularly?
If you don’t change your HVAC filter regularly, the air in your home will be of poorer quality. This can lead to a number of health problems for those living in your home, including allergies and asthma. Additionally, it can also put more strain on your HVAC system as it works harder to process the contaminated air. Over time, this could lead to increased energy costs and even cause your system to break down entirely.
Final Word
In conclusion, it’s important to change your HVAC filter regularly in order to maintain the quality of the air in your home and reduce strain on your HVAC system. The exact timeline for changing your filter will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size of your home, your use of the system, and even the presence of pets. As a result, it’s best to refer to your HVAC system manual for specific recommendations regarding when you should change your filter. Additionally, you can visually inspect your filter monthly to determine if it needs to be replaced. By following these tips, you can ensure that your HVAC system is running at peak efficiency and that the air in your home remains clean and healthy.
Contact DeZiel Heating & AC For Expert HVAC Service
If you’re in need of any kind of HVAC service, contact the experts at DeZiel Heating & AC. Our team has years of experience and can help with anything from filter changes to major repairs. We’ll ensure that your system runs efficiently so you can enjoy a comfortable home all year long.
Give us a call today at (763) 200-5453 to learn more about our services and make an appointment!
