Routines get a bad rap, but they are extremely useful. Particularly your maintenance routine. It isn’t hard to get into a habit, and once you’re in the habit, you hardly even think about it anymore.
Most of us are diligent about getting routine oil changes done on our cars, or vacuuming regularly, or cleaning the lint trap in the dryer. But changing the air filter on your HVAC system is just as important, and yet people fail to include it in their routine.
Let’s answer some of the common questions people have.
How Frequently Should I Change the HVAC Filter?
How frequently your filters need to be replaced depends on several factors. If you have pets or someone in the household is sensitive to allergens, then you will need to clean them more frequently. Filters should be changed every 1-3 months, so if allergens are a problem, lean towards monthly.
You might also consider changing the filters monthly if you live near a busy road, since the pollutants and road dust will clog the filters more quickly than if you in a quieter area.
How Do I Know If I Should Change My Filter?
Like changing the air filter in your car’s air intake, you do not want to wait to change the filter only when you notice the old one is clogged. An HVAC system needs unrestricted airflow in order to work most efficiently, so don’t wait. Decide on a schedule and stick with it. Having to work harder to force the air through a constricted filter shortens the lifespan of the HVAC unit and costs more money to run. Switching out the filters frequently is much cheaper.
What If I’m Changing My Filters Too Frequently?
Changing your filters too frequently won’t harm anything. In fact, if you have any doubts as to the cleanliness of your filters, you should change them anyway. It’s better to err on the side of caution than to wait until the filter is “dirty enough” to warrant replacement. Filters are fairly cheap, after all.
But if you pull your filter out after 30 days and it looks brand new, you can put it back and check it again at 60 days. Maybe 60 days will wind up being your new schedule.
Regular HVAC Air Filter Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to maintain the life and efficiency of your HVAC unit. Have you had your annual HVAC tune-up yet? Now is the time, before it gets hot. Call My Plumber for fast, efficient and experienced service today!
