The Truth About Air Filters: Are You Changing Them Enough?

Air filters are one of the most important components of your HVAC system, but they’re often overlooked. Many homeowners don’t realize how crucial it is to regularly change their air filters, and doing so can have a significant impact on both your system’s performance and the air quality in your home. In this blog, we’ll explain why air filters matter and how often you should be changing them to keep your HVAC system running efficiently.

Why Air Filters Matter

Air filters do much more than just trap dust and debris. They help ensure that the air circulating in your home is clean and free of harmful particles like pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. In addition to improving indoor air quality, air filters also protect your HVAC system by preventing dirt and debris from accumulating on critical components, like the evaporator coil and blower motor.

The Impact of Dirty Filters

A dirty or clogged air filter can lead to a variety of issues:

• Reduced airflow: When the filter is clogged, it restricts airflow, causing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This can lead to higher energy bills and unnecessary strain on the system.
• Decreased efficiency: Dirty filters can cause your system to run less efficiently, lowering its overall performance and making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Poor air quality: A clogged filter can no longer trap contaminants, meaning dust, allergens, and other particles are recirculated through the air, reducing the quality of the air in your home.
• System damage: Over time, poor airflow caused by dirty filters can lead to problems like frozen coils, overheating, and premature wear and tear on your HVAC system.

How Often Should You Change Your Air Filters?

The frequency with which you should change your air filter depends on several factors, including:

• Type of filter: Standard fiberglass filters should be changed every 30-60 days, while higher-quality filters like pleated or HEPA filters may need to be changed more often.
• Home environment: If you have pets, allergies, or live in an area with high pollen counts, you may need to change your filter more often. In these cases, 30 days might be ideal.
• System usage: If your HVAC system is running frequently, the filter may become clogged more quickly, requiring more frequent changes.

Signs It’s Time to Change Your Air Filter

Here are some signs that indicate your air filter needs changing:

• Reduced airflow or weak air output
• Increased energy bills
• Dust buildup around vents
• Frequent HVAC system cycling (turning on and off more than usual)
• Visible dirt or dust on the filter itself

Tracking Your Filter Changes

A simple way to track how often you change your air filter is to date it. Use a sharpie or pen to write the date of installation on the edge of the filter. This makes it easy to keep track of when it was last changed, helping you stay on top of your filter replacement schedule. If you’re not sure when you last changed your filter, this will give you a clear reference point, so you never miss a change.

How to Change Your Air Filter

Changing an air filter is a simple task that anyone can do. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Turn off your HVAC system.
2. Locate the filter, usually near the return air duct or blower.
3. Remove the old filter and check its condition. If it’s dirty or clogged, it’s time to replace it.
4. Insert the new filter, ensuring it fits snugly and that the arrows on the filter are pointing in the direction of airflow (usually toward the furnace or blower).
5. Turn your HVAC system back on and check the airflow.

Conclusion

Changing your air filter regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain your HVAC system and improve indoor air quality. By taking care of this simple task, you can ensure your system runs efficiently, save money on energy bills, and breathe cleaner air. If you’re unsure when to change your filter or need help selecting the right one for your home, don’t hesitate to contact Aire Solutions!