How Often Do I Need to Change My Air Filters?

One of the many questions that come with owning an HVAC system is how frequently it should be cleaned out. Most often than not, cleaning an HVAC system is the least maintenance routine families engage in, however, failure to clean an HVAC system's air filter predisposes the home to a variety of health risks.

Air filters should be changed when it's covered with dust, debris, and other particulate matter. A clean filter is essential for energy efficiency and for maintaining your system for the longest possible time as a dirty filter is known to be the most common cause of increased energy usage and possible damage.

The question of how often you should change the air filters in your HVAC system, however, depends on a number of factors mostly relating to your home, family composition and the frequency of use. Basically, larger homes with more occupants and pets need to change their air filters more often than smaller homes.

What Is Dust?

Dust is comprised mainly of lint, shed skin cells, pollen, hair and pet dander, mold spores and actual dirt.

What Constitutes Dirt In the Home?

There are several factors which may constitute dirt in the home. A home with wall-to-wall carpeting will generate considerably larger lint compared to one with hard surface floors. It is important to note that new carpeting also produces more airborne fibers than a worn carpeting. Additionally, cloth window coverings and upholstered furniture, as well as clothing hanging in the closets, produce a considerable amount of lint. Lint could also be increased in the air filter if the laundry room is close to the air handler while pets, especially long-haired ones are known to increase the mass of dirt in the air filter thereby necessitating the need for a frequent air filter change.

Filter Quality Matters

Choosing high-quality air filters is an important factor to consider when making routine maintenance schedule for air filter changes. Making sure the choice of an air filter is of high quality will ensure that the air filter traps more airborne particulates for a longer time period compared to a cheap quality air filter. However, even a high-quality air filter should be checked periodically and changed to avoid damage to your HVAC system. In cases of damage, contact your HVAC contractor in Frederick, MD.

Purchasing the least expensive air filter made of fiberglass may result in infiltration of few materials thereby letting smaller particles pass through into the home easily. Denser pleated air filters as used by air conditioning repair experts in Frederick, MD trap more particles and need more frequent changing.

System Usage

For persons who use their HVAC system frequently, there is the need to change the air filter as often as possible. Additionally, you will need to change the air handler, a service which could be appropriately provided by a Frederick Air Conditioning expert.

Establishing a Schedule

It is particularly essential that you run scheduled routine changes to the air filter on your HVAC system except in cases where you are alerted by the thermostat. A surge in electricity bill may also be a pointer indicating the need to change the air filter in your HVAC system.