Knowing when to change the filter to your heating and air system in your home in an important thing to be aware of. We have many customers that ask us when should they change the filter, and our answer is, “it depends”. There are several factors that determine when your filters need to changed. But, the main rule of thumb is if it looks dirty, change it! You should not wait until the filter is completely filthy though, because that means your heating and cooling system is not running at its full potential. Here are some key points that’ll help you determine when you should change the filter in your home.
When to Change the Filter for my HVAC System?
What type of filter you buy is one of the primary factors that influence how often you need to change the filter. Filters vary from each other in several ways. They differ based on what materials they are made with, their form (pleated vs. panel), their thickness, and other variations. We know everyone loves to save money. Though, buying a cheap filter most likely means you’re going to have to replace them more often. This is ok as long as you are regularly changing them! If you are forgetful, you may want to invest in longer-lasting, thicker filters. When you purchase a filter, it should have a recommended time for when it’ll need to be replaced.
Another main factor that contributes to how often you should change the filter is the occupants in the home. If you have anyone that suffers from allergies, you should be changing them more often. This will help remove more of the allergens from the air in your home. If the filter is full/dirty it will not be able to trap them.
A second occupant that will affect how often the filters will need to be changed is those furry critters roaming in your home. All pet owners know that majority of cats and dogs shed. Also, their hair is everywhere. That includes the filters, which will alter the performance of your heating and cooling system. So if you have a pet or multiple pets in your home, you’ll most likely need to change the filter more often. Also, depending on the seasons, animals shed more in the hotter months, so keep that in mind when it comes to checking your filters.
Why You Need to Change the Filter
If you don’t think that changing your filter is important, here are a few reasons why you should change the filter to your HVAC system. Energy.gov says that replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5-10%. Not only can it save you money on your energy bills, but it can save you money on your heating and cooling system. A dirty filter will restrict your airflow, causing your system to work harder. This will cause wear and can create issues possibly needing repairs. Also, continuous wear on your system will lower the lifespan of your system. So do yourself and your heating and air system a favor, and don’t forget to change the filters!
If you have any questions about filters, air quality or want to inquire about a filter service please call our office. We offer quality filters as well as installation services for those hard-to-reach spots. This applies to commercial properties as well, we offer different filter services based on your business’s needs. If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact our office.
