AC Maintenance: How Often Should Air Filters Be Changed?
Air filters are crucial for keeping your home’s air clean and free of harmful particles. However, they need to be replaced regularly to stay effective. But how often is "regular"? The answer depends on factors like filter type, pets, allergies, and local air quality. This guide breaks down how often should air filters be changed plus some basic AC maintenance tips to keep your air fresh.
Why is it Necessary to Change the Air Filter?
Dirty air filters make your HVAC system work harder, leading to breakdowns, higher energy bills, and poorer air quality. A clean filter traps dust, pet hair, and other irritants, ensuring your HVAC system delivers fresh air throughout your home. If filters aren't replaced, dust and debris can clog your unit, leading to:
High Energy Bills: A clogged filter forces your HVAC system to work harder and longer, increasing electricity costs.
Health Concerns: Dust and dirt circulating through a dirty filter can cause allergies or respiratory issues.
System Failure: A clogged filter puts excessive strain on your HVAC system, potentially causing costly breakdowns.
Factors How Often Should Air Filters Be Changed
Typically, air filters should be replaced every one to two months. However, several factors influence this timeline:
Type of Air Filter: Basic fiberglass filters are cheap but need monthly replacement. Higher-quality pleated filters last two to three months and are more effective at trapping particles.
Pets: If you have pets, replace your air filter every month. Pet fur and dander quickly clog filters, reducing efficiency.
Allergies: For households with allergy sufferers, replace filters every 30-45 days to avoid triggering reactions.
Children: Kids are more sensitive to dust and dirt, so replace filters every month to maintain healthy air quality.
Home Use: If you use your HVAC system daily, replace filters more often—every one to two months. For occasional use, filters can last three to four months. Regular maintenance helps improve air quality and extend your system's life.
By keeping up with air filter replacements, you ensure a healthier home, lower energy costs, and a longer-lasting HVAC system.
How To Know What Filter to Buy
To ensure you select the right filter for your AC unit, follow these steps:
- Consult with the installer who set up your system for guidance.
- Look for a label on the unit indicating the recommended filter size, typically found inside the unit's panel or near the filter slot.
- For added accuracy, take a picture of your current filter before shopping, making it easier to find an exact match and maintain your HVAC system's efficiency.
- Common filter sizes include 16"x20", 16"x25", and 20"x25" inches. However, it's vital to verify the precise dimensions for your specific model to ensure optimal performance.
How to Replace Your HVAC Air Filter
Replacing your air filter is quick and easy. Here's how:
- Locate your HVAC unit, often found in the basement, attic, or utility closet if you have central air.
- Turn off the unit to ensure safety while swapping out the filter.
- Remove the old filter, noting its size and orientation. Follow the airflow direction, usually marked by an arrow, for proper installation.
- Clean any dust or debris from the filter compartment using a rag or vacuum. This step helps maintain airflow and prevents dirt from circulating.
- Insert the new filter, ensuring it matches the size and orientation of the old one.
- Check for gaps around the filter to make sure it fits snugly. Gaps can reduce efficiency and let unfiltered air through.
- Turn the unit back on and listen for unusual noises that might indicate an issue. If an issue is present, then contact an AC Professional like Fix-It Rite!
What Can I Do Myself to Help My HVAC Unit
We can’t say it enough—replace your filters regularly! Clean filters are essential for maintaining a healthy and efficient HVAC system. In addition to changing filters, it’s highly recommended to have your entire HVAC system professionally serviced at least once a year. This ensures your system runs at peak performance, extends its lifespan, and helps prevent costly repairs down the line.
Beyond regular HVAC maintenance, there are plenty of other steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality and create a healthier home environment. Here’s how:
- Keep a clean, clutter-free home: Dust and allergens can accumulate quickly, especially in cluttered spaces. Regular dusting, vacuuming, and washing of bed linens, curtains, and other fabrics can help reduce allergens like dust mites and pet dander.
- Ventilate your home: Stale air and excessive moisture can lead to poor indoor air quality. Opening windows occasionally allows fresh air in, while using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens can help remove moisture and odors. Proper ventilation is especially important when cooking or after a hot shower.
- Invest in an air purifier: Air purifiers are excellent for removing pollutants, allergens, and even pet odors. Look for one that’s appropriately sized for your room and includes a HEPA filter for the best results.
- Monitor humidity levels: Maintaining ideal indoor humidity is key to comfort and health. High humidity encourages mold growth, while low humidity causes dryness, irritating your skin, throat, and sinuses. Use a hygrometer to monitor levels, and adjust as needed with a humidifier or dehumidifier. Learn more about mold risks and humidity here.
- Avoid smoking indoors: Smoking not only leaves harmful chemicals and particles in the air, but these pollutants can settle on surfaces, linger in fabrics, and harm anyone exposed to secondhand smoke. Keep smoking outside to protect your indoor environment.
- Remove shoes at the door: Shoes track in dirt, bacteria, pesticides, and other pollutants from outside. Leaving them at the door minimizes contamination and keeps your home cleaner and safer.
- Add houseplants: Houseplants like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants naturally filter toxins, improve air quality, and even boost your mood. They are also a stylish and calming addition to any room.
- Clean carpets and rugs regularly: Carpets and rugs can trap dust, allergens, and other pollutants over time. Vacuum frequently with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter and steam clean periodically to ensure they remain fresh and allergen-free.
By incorporating these habits along with consistent HVAC upkeep, you can significantly enhance your indoor air quality, creating a healthier, more comfortable space for you and your loved ones. Small changes can make a big difference!
Final Thoughts on AC and HVAC Maintenance: Replace Your Filters Regularly
Proper maintenance of your AC and HVAC system is essential for a healthy and comfortable home. By following the tips mentioned above, you can ensure that your system is running efficiently and effectively, saving you money on energy bills and preventing potential health hazards.
In addition to these tips, it's important to regularly replace your air filters. Air filters are designed to trap dust, dirt, pollen, and other pollutants from circulating throughout your home. Over time, these filters can become clogged with buildup and lose their effectiveness. This not only puts strain on your air conditioning system but also allows harmful particles to enter your home.