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How Often Should You Change Your HVAC System’s Filter

How often should you change your HVAC System’s filter?

You need to prioritize changing your HVAC filter to maintain proper system function. A fresh filter ensures that clean air enters your home and that the air conditioning system works properly.

Replacing your filter regularly and practicing proper HVAC system maintenance gives you an easy way to prevent future repairs. Unfortunately, repairing or replacing your air conditioning unit can be expensive and time-consuming. Changing your HVAC system’s filter takes only a few minutes and can extend the life of your unit.

If you want to learn how often to change HVAC filters, you can find the answer below.

Importance of Changing Your Filter

Your filter has the responsibility of capturing dust and other particles that could affect the air quality in your home. The irritating debris sticks to the filter so that the HVAC system can release fresh, clean air.

Over time, the dust and debris collected by the filter build up, making it difficult for your air conditioner to release clean air. When this happens, you run into more issues. Regularly changing your filter has several benefits.

  • Avoid high energy bills. Your HVAC system works by cooling or heating the room to a designated temperature. With a clogged filter, your unit has to work hard to meet the required temperature, resulting in higher energy bills.
  • Prevent system failure. As the debris continues to build up, your HVAC is more likely to break or malfunction. Replacing your filters regularly costs much less than hiring a technician to repair or replace the unit.
  • Improve air quality. A dirty filter prevents the air conditioning unit from releasing fresh air. The purpose of the filter is to trap the irritating particles while releasing fresh air into the room. A clogged filter cannot function properly, affecting the overall air quality in your home.

Changing the air conditioning filter is essential to avoid future problems. This simple step can help you avoid paying for expensive repairs in the future. Most technicians recommend changing the air filter every three months.

How To Change Your Filter

Ready to change your filter? Follow these simple steps when replacing your old air conditioning filter.

1. Locate your filter.
You can find most air handlers in the attic, basement, or utility closet. You can also locate the filter on the return duct.

2. Choose the right filter.
Filters come in a variety of sizes. You can find the dimensions printed on the sides of your old filter. Otherwise, you can measure your current filter’s length, width, and depth with a measuring tape or ruler.

3. Turn Off your HVAC system.
Find the power switch on your unit to turn it off. You can also turn the power off through the circuit breaker. This makes it easier to change the filter.

4. Remove the air filter cover.
The location of the air filter cover, or grille, depends on where the filter is. Filters in your system’s air handler will be in the access panel, which may require screwdrivers to remove. Grilles on return duct filters are secured by a simple latch.

5. Replace the old filter with the new one.
Airflow arrows indicate the position that you should place the new filter in. Simply take out the old, dirty filter and secure the new one in place.

6. Return the Cover
Once you install the new filter, replace the cover or grille. Turn the power back on after securing the grille and breathe in the fresh air.

Factors That Determine the Lifespan of Your Filter

Although technicians recommend changing most filters every three months, not every filter performs the same. Consider these factors that affect how often to change HVAC filters.

  • The size of your home—Larger homes require more air. Air conditioning filters in larger houses will likely need a replacement more frequently than those in smaller ones.
  • The frequency of use of your HVAC system—The more often you use your air conditioner, the more regularly you will have to replace the filters. Homes that reside in mild climates will require HVAC filter changes much less than those that rely heavily on AC or heat.
  • Your home’s air quality—Homes with more residents or pets will typically require more frequent filter changes. The filters remove the hair, dust, and dirt to improve the air quality in your home. Having more particles in the air for your HVAC to collect means replacing a filter with a fresh one more often.

When To Replace Your Filter

Knowing when to replace your filter is an important step in HVAC system maintenance. Let’s review some signs that indicate a need for a new filter.

  • Your energy bills start to increase.
  • Your air conditioning unit has a reduced airflow.
  • The HVAC system is not producing cool enough air.
  • You notice more dust in the air.
  • The AC unit feels hot.
  • You can see dust or dirt on the grille and filter.

Trust 1 HVAC Services

Even if you practice good HVAC unit maintenance, you can’t always avoid system issues. You should reach out to your local HVAC technician when you notice you still have problems even after replacing the filter.

The following signs represent a few of the most common indications that your system requires professional attention:

  • Your system is not cooling or heating properly.
  • Strange noises are coming from the HVAC unit.
  • The air quality in your home fails to improve.
  • Your air conditioner overheats.

Whatever concerns you have, the experts at Trust 1 Services are ready to help. Our professionals have the training and experience to restore your HVAC system and prevent further issues. If you still have questions about how often to change HVAC filters, let our technicians help.

We understand the importance of having a functional HVAC unit. You rely on the system to maintain appropriate air quality and comfortable temperatures. When your system malfunctions, let the trained professionals at Trust 1 Services restore your HVAC unit in Quincy, MA.

You can’t always predict when your system will malfunction. That’s why we are available 24/7 for emergency services.

For quality HVAC services, call the Trust 1 Service experts today at 617-826-8611.

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