How Often Should I Change My HVAC Air Filter? And What Happens If You Don’t.

Changing HVAC air filters timely can increase the functionality of your HVAC system as well as the indoor air quality of your house. The use of air conditioners affects the filters, so the question about replacing them is common but when is the right time to change your HVAC filters is crucial. Some professionals recommend changing your HVAC air filters every 90 days. Let’s learn more about this but let’s know first about AC air filters.

What is an Air Filter and its importance?

HVAC air filters are like the guards of your home’s indoor air quality. They are placed on the front of your ac unit and protect you from dust, debris, pollen, pet dander, and other harmful particles moving in the air. The best thing about air filters is that they stop dangerous elements and welcome fresh air to breathe easily. Additionally, air filters are beneficial for lower energy bills and keeping your HVAC system in optimal condition.

Importance of HVAC Air Filters

First, HVAC Air filters are important to keep your indoor air clean. Second, air filters protect your HVAC system from getting clogged up from dust. Regular cleaning or replacing air filters is also good for allergy and asthma patients. Also, air filters increase the performance of an air conditioner.

Reasons to Change Your HVAC Filters

HVAC air filters are the front-foot guards of the appliance that maintain indoor air quality and temperature. Also, they protect you from unwanted dust, and small particles catching them in the air. There are different reasons to change your HVAC air filters including the use of air conditioners, allergies, and many more mentioned below. Some homeowners may face different issues with replacing them as required such as the need for repair and maintenance. Let’s discuss the reasons behind the replacement of AC filters.

HVAC System Use

Over time, the use of the HVAC system is one of the reasons to change your air filters. The cooling and heating system can clog up when used continuously due to the dust particles circulating in the air. Frequently using your unit means you have to clean your AC filters regularly because of contamination or mold build-up.

Allergies & Asthma

Another reason to change your HVAC filters is Allergies and Asthma. People who have such issues can face serious health problems because the filter of your air conditioner absorbs dirt and dust through the air circulating system in your home. It is recommended by professional HVAC technicians to maintain your system by cleaning or changing your HVAC air filters every 3 months of use.

Pets Dander

If you have pets in your home then it is a must to change your HVAC filters. The pet hair fall or dander can clog your unit’s filters quickly. So, it is recommended to regularly clean or replace your HVAC filters every 45 to 60 days.

Size of the Home

It is one of the major reasons to change your air filter for your cooling and heating appliance. The small size home requires less air to maintain temperature as compared to bigger homes that need more air to pump. But it is not the criteria for changing your HVAC filters, you must keep an eye on these requirements to replace them regularly if needed.

Outside and Indoor Air Quality

Outdoor and indoor air quality is an important factor for air conditioning systems’ functionality. These elements are the reasons to change your HVAC air filters because the quality of the air matters a lot in the cooling and heating process. If the air quality is not fine then changing filters is crucial to prevent malfunctions.

FAQs About Air Filters

Air filters are not a puzzle game but here are some questions and answers about air filters.

How often should I change my air filter?

Usually, it is recommended to change the air filter every month to 90 days but not limited as it might be changed earlier or as advised by the HVAC technician. It is crucial to find the issue or factor that encourages you to make a decision. A few factors are the type of filter, living area, having pets, or how many people live in a room.

What happens if I forget to change my air filter?

When you forget to change your air filters then there can be significant problems like air filter clogged. reduce air filtration, less indoor air quality. In this way, you can suffer from different health issues. Also, the HVAC system will reduce efficiency harder to work resulting in high electricity bills. When you do not care about it then it can cause huge damage to your air conditioning system.

What if I don’t use an air filter?

Without the filter, your HVAC may lead to several issues like decreasing air quality, clogging with dust and debris, and harder to run effectively. The dust particles gather inside the unit and cause different damages. Unusual breakdowns and maintenance work will occur before the time if you don’t use an air filter in your HVAC.

What are the different types of air filters?

Air filters come in a wide range of designs, shapes, and materials including electrostatic, fibreglass, and pleated air filters. These are the common air filters used in the market but can be different by region. The working process and classifications of every filter are different like the pleated filters are used with UV lights. Some systems use high-quality air filters along with pleats to prevent the recirculation of bacteria and other small particles.

Is there a best type of air filter?

There are several types of best air filters but it depends on your requirements your HVAC specifications and the manufacturer’s recommendation to use the best suited. It is best to find an accurate air filter for your unit like a dense air filter can’t get airflow. Talk with an HVAC professional will help you to get the best material air filter that is compatible with the appliance.

What size air filter should I use?

Considering the air filter size by yourself can be overwhelming but not too hard. It is best to remove your old filter if you know the location where your air filter existed. Make sure your existing filter has no gaps or lines as it might be wrong. If you have no idea how to measure the thickness or height of an air filter then contacting an expert will be the best choice.

Where can I find the air filter size?

Air filter size can be written on the manual book provided by the manufacturer of your HVAC. it is the best way to determine the right size of an air filter. If it is not possible to find or do not have information in a descriptive chart then you can measure the size with the help of your current filter installed in your unit. Talking with your local HVAC technician will help you get the perfect air filter for your AC system.

Where is my air filter located on my HVAC?

Different types of HVACs have different locations for air filters, but normally, the air filters are located at the front of the air-conditioned vent where air exists. They are not placed at the back or near the blower motor. If you are not familiar with DIY tasks then consult with an expert HVAC technician to find the air filters or any other help.

Where can I buy air filters?

Air filters are major components of air conditioners and when needed to be replaced you can find them online and in-store near your HVAC supplier or companies in the market. The air filters can be of different sizes, types, and materials, so it is crucial to take the right size and double-check the specifications before buying. Talk with your HVAC technician to recommend the best one according to your needs and setup.

Replacing your HVAC air filter is not an expensive or hard action. An inspection or checkup every month to 3 months can lead you to save money and keep you healthy.

Which Air Filter is Right for You

Determining the precise air filter for your home’s HVAC depends on a few factors like the size of the unit, indoor smoking, allergies, pets, candle burning, and other pollutants. Also, you can choose an air filter according to your needs such as activated carbon filters to remove odour and UV light installation to kill bacteria in the air. The best air filter for your home will be the one that makes your indoor air quality sufficient and has advanced features.

Call Fixwell Professionals for HVAC Maintenance and Repair

Changing your HVAC filters can be challenging for you if you are not aware of the appliance structure for maintenance. If it is not possible to DIY filter replacement then calling a professional technician will be beneficial for both you and your HVAC unit. There might be some other reasons to change your air filters so expert-level help can lead you to a well-organized HVAC system. So, getting HVAC system maintenance services can reduce the chance of high energy bills and consumption.