Changing the air filter in your HVAC system is one of your most important household maintenance tasks. Neglecting to change the filter frequently enough can lead to a wide range of issues and limit the effectiveness and energy efficiency of your HVAC system. We’ll explain how often air filters should be changed, how to know when to change your HVAC system’s air filter and why changing the air filter regularly is so important.
Recommended Air Filter Change Intervals
Most HVAC manufacturers and technicians say you should change the air filter in your HVAC system at least every three months. But this general recommendation doesn’t always apply to every HVAC system. There may be times when you’ll need to change the air filter more often. It all depends on how much your HVAC system runs.
The more it runs, the more quickly the filter will get dirty and start to clog. That’s why in Florida, you’ll often need to replace your air filter more frequently during the hot, humid months when your air conditioning gets a lot of daily use. During the winter, you might be able to use the same filter longer since your HVAC system typically won’t run all that often.
Factors That Affect How Often You Need to Change Your Air Filter
In addition to how much your HVAC system runs, there are a few other factors that can affect how often you may need to change the air filter. One major factor is having indoor pets. That’s because some pet hair and dander will get sucked in through the return air vents and cause the filter to clog faster. The climate where you live can also make a difference in how quickly an air filter will clog. For instance, homeowners in arid, desert climates usually need to change their filters more often due to the amount of dust in the air.
Another factor is the efficiency rating of the type of filter you use. Most filters have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) that expresses how efficiently they work. A higher MERV means that the filter is more effective at trapping smaller airborne particles. Most lower-MERV filters can only trap larger particles like dust and hair. The majority of standard air filters for use in residential HVAC systems range from MERV 6 to 12. A MERV 12 filter will almost always clog up faster than a MERV 6 or 8 filter since it can trap many more particles. That means if you use a higher-efficiency filter, you’ll need to change it more frequently.
Another thing to understand about higher-efficiency air filters is that they are more restrictive, meaning that air can’t flow through them as easily. This is another reason to change them more frequently since the HVAC blower will start to struggle to draw air through the filter if it’s even slightly clogged. The blower already has to work harder to draw air through a higher-efficiency filter, but this will become even more difficult after a fairly short time.
How to Know When to Change an Air Filter
Since there could be times when you need to change the air filter monthly, it’s good to get in the habit of checking it at least once a month. On a normal pleated filter, the main thing to check is the color. If the filter is starting to look darker, it means you should change it since it’s beginning to clog up. Another thing that indicates a need to change the filter is a thick layer of dust, hair and debris on its face.
Why Changing Your Air Filter Regularly Matters
Remembering to change the air filter in your HVAC system regularly makes a huge difference in terms of both your comfort and your energy bills. When the airflow coming into an HVAC system is restricted because of a dirty filter, it greatly reduces how much cool or warm air the system can produce. That means that each time the system runs, it will take much longer to lower or raise the temperature in the home. If the filter is extremely dirty, the HVAC system could end up running constantly without having much of an effect on the home’s temperature.
Long cooling or heating cycles are a major issue since they’ll obviously increase the amount of energy your HVAC system uses and how much you have to pay to cool or heat your home. The wear and tear on all the system’s components will also be greater the longer it has to run. That means there will be a higher chance of the system not working properly or breaking down so that you need to get it repaired. Not changing the air filter in your HVAC system often enough can also lead to system failure, necessitating a premature replacement.
Another common thing that can start happening if the air filter is too dirty is that your air conditioning frequently freezes up. The reason is that the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator coil inside your home is extremely cold. That means that the condensation that forms on the coil can quickly turn into ice if there isn’t enough warm air constantly flowing over the coil as the AC runs.
Comparing Disposable and Washable Air Filters
Although most people opt to buy disposable air filters, washable filters can also be a good choice. It depends on the quality and efficiency of the filter you choose. Some high-quality washable filters work just as well as good disposable ones. However, others are basically just aluminum mesh and typically aren’t efficient enough to prevent lots of dust and debris from getting inside the main part of the HVAC system.
Most washable filters should last for at least five years, and some may last for 10 years or more. That means that investing in a quality washable filter can save you money compared to buying disposable filters. The only drawback is that washing the filter takes more time than just changing out a disposable filter. You also need to let the filter fully dry before putting it back in, or else you may have issues with mold and mildew starting to grow on it.
It’s never a good idea to run your HVAC system without a filter in place. Having two washable filters can come in handy since you can just put the second filter in and then wash the first one. This way you won’t have to turn off your AC or heating while you’re washing the filter and waiting for it to dry.
If you need the help of a reliable, experienced HVAC contractor or plumbing company in the Port Charlotte area, look no further than Titanz Plumbing & Air Conditioning. We’ve been providing exceptional air conditioning and heating services since 2007, and our team of experts is ready to help with all of your home comfort needs. Ask us about our Titanz maintenance plan too!
Contact us at Titanz Plumbing & Air Conditioning today to schedule an HVAC maintenance service today!
