One of the most important home HVAC tasks is changing your filter. This simple maintenance task keeps everything functioning properly and also ensures your energy bills don’t go up unnecessarily. Unfortunately, most homeowners forget to change their air filters, or just don’t change them as often as they should. This is a preventable error that can save you from a lot of HVAC system headaches later down the road.
How Often to Change Your Air Filter
When to change your filters usually depends on what kind of filter you’re using. Some filters need changing more frequently than others. For instance, less expensive fiberglass filters must be changed a lot more frequently than high-end pleated filters that can last for up to half a year. However, these guidelines are based on average use.
As a general rule, you should change the air filters in your home every 90 days. The longer you keep an old filter, the more it traps dust and allergens and becomes clogged, which makes it less efficient. It can also lead to dirty ductwork, and that comes with its own set of problems.
Aside from that, if your answer to any of the questions below is yes, you might want to change your filters more frequently than most.
Is there anyone in your home who suffers from allergies and/or asthma?
If you know that one of your family members suffers from allergies, then you might need to change your air filters more frequently. This is because someone with allergies or asthma is more sensitive to airborne particulates than everyone else. If you’re in this situation, it is recommended to change your filters every six weeks.
Do you have any pets?
We all know how pets shed a lot during some seasons. If you own a pet, it’s advisable to change your filter at least every two months. You might even want to do it more frequently when seasons change, as pets tend to have certain times of the year when they shed more.
Do you have younger children?
If you have children in your home, you want to keep your indoor air quality at its best. As such, it is recommended to replace your air filter every two to three months.
What Can Affect Your Air Filter’s Lifespan?
How frequently do you use your heating and cooling system? If you don’t use your AC as much, your filters can last longer, sometimes up to a whole season or entire year. However, if you run your HVAC almost every day, then you will need to change the filter every few weeks.
If you have a small home, your air conditioner won’t need to pump as much air to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home. However, if your home is bigger, your heating and cooling system will have to work overtime to maintain the same temperature, meaning your might need to change your filters more frequently.
Signs It’s Time to Change Your HVAC Air Filter
Here are some signs that it might be time to change your HVAC filters:
● The back of the air conditioning unit is too hot
● The air is still hot even when you set the temperature to cold
● There is an unexplained spike in your electricity bill
● More allergy attacks
● More dust near the air vents.
A good rule is to check your air filters once a month. It only takes a few minutes, and it can help save you from costly HVAC repairs in the future. If you notice your filters are dirtier than usual, then it’s important to change them so you can maintain good indoor air quality.
How’s the Air in Your Home?
If you suspect that there’s something else wrong with your HVAC, or the air in your home, our team is here to help. Our heating and cooling company in Yankton, SD offers many services that can help keep your air clean and your HVAC system in perfect working order all year long.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact our team today. We proudly serve homes and businesses in Yankton, Vermilion, and the nearby communities in SD.
