Your HVAC system works hard all year round to keep your home comfortable and safe. One of its simplest components, the air filter, has a significant impact on operating performance. Below, we’ll dive into more detail about when you should change your HVAC system’s air filter to ensure optimal operating performance throughout the entire year.
30- to 90-Day Average
Most homeowners discover they need to replace their HVAC air filter every 30 to 90 days. However, it’s vitally important to note that the number of necessary changes for your system is dependent on numerous factors. These include things like your local climate, how often you run your system, how old your ductwork is, and whether you have allergies or chronic health issues.
Monthly Filter Checks
One maintenance task that we highly recommend is checking your air filter every month. This will allow you to catch when your filter needs to be changed instead of continuing to run that filter until you hit the 90-day mark. You can check your air filter by removing it from its housing in your return ductwork.
Hold the filter up to a light and try to look through it. If you can see through the filter well, this is a key indication that it still has a usable lifespan left. However, if you can’t see through the filter, it’s time for a replacement. We suggest always having an extra filter available so you can replace it whenever necessary. Putting off an air filter replacement can lead to higher-than-normal energy bills, equipment damage, and reduced home comfort.
Don’t forget to check the filters that are part of your whole-home purification setup. There may also be filters in your whole-home dehumidifier or whole-home humidifier.
Considering Filter Size
You must get the right filter size that your system requires for it to operate properly. A filter that’s too big simply won’t fit in your unit. A filter that’s too small will allow air to travel around it without sufficient filtration occurring. You can determine the dimensions of your filter by simply looking at your existing one or checking your owner’s manual for your HVAC system. All filters are given a designation using measurements of length, width, and thickness.
Different Filter Types
There are different styles of HVAC air filters you can purchase for your system. This includes fiberglass, pleated, and washable. Fiberglass filters are an inexpensive option that has a lifespan of around 30 days for most systems. Fiberglass can capture many of the larger particles in your air, like dust and lint.
Those looking for a high-efficiency filter will typically opt for a pleated filter. These will last anywhere between 60 and 90 days and are effective at filtering out smaller particles like mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. Lastly, washable or reusable air filters are an eco-friendly choice that’s effective at providing filtration for larger particles. However, you won’t have to replace your filter frequently.
Key Indicators It’s Time for a Change
While checking your air filter once a month is a great way to detect when it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, there are some other key indicators you can watch for. Visible dust and dirt buildup throughout your home often indicates a dirty filter. You may notice a persistent musty odor and experience reduced airflow coming from your vents. An unexplained higher-than-normal energy bill can also point to a dirty air filter.
How to Replace Your Air Filter
Replacing your HVAC filter is a straightforward process. You’ll want to start by shutting your unit off to prevent any air from flowing through it without a filter in place. Leaving it on could potentially allow airborne particles to end up inside the internal components of your HVAC unit and shorten its lifespan.
Next, locate the air filter housing in your return ductwork. Many of these housings will have a small cover that you’ll need to remove to gain access to the filter itself. Simply pull the filter out and dispose of it. Insert your new filter while ensuring that the arrows for airflow are in the appropriate direction. Air will always flow from your return ducting into your system. Lastly, turn your unit back on, and your system will be ready to function until the next filter change.
Expert HVAC Maintenance
AirNow Air Conditioning offers expert HVAC maintenance for the Sarasota, FL area. We can also assist with all your HVAC replacement, repair, and installation needs. Call our office at AirNow Air Conditioning in Sarasota today to book your next service appointment.
