It might not seem like it, but changing your air filters regularly in your HVAC system goes a long way in making sure that your systems are running properly and that you have healthy air circulating in your home.
Many homeowners go a very long time before replacing their air filters, which causes a bunch of other problems that cost more money to fix. Keeping a regular schedule to change them will keep your HVAC system in working condition for longer, and it will also reduce your monthly energy bill because everything will be working in optimal condition.
Many homeowners forget or disregard the importance of their air filters, and this can result in higher energy bills and future maintenance issues. Below are four major reasons why you need to regularly change your air filters.
4 Reasons to Change Your Air Filter Regularly
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Changing Your Air Filter Regularly Will Help Prevent Damage To Your HVAC System
Running your HVAC system constantly with a clogged air filter will cause extensive damage to your HVAC system. If you check on and change your air filter, you can help to prevent this. Staying on top of changing your air filters will also improve the longevity of your HVAC system itself. According to HVAC professionals, neglect is the leading cause of heating and cooling systems failing. It can be avoided by conducting regular maintenance.
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Maintain Clean And Healthy Air In Your Home
One of the most obvious differences you will notice when you start to change your air filter regularly is that you will have cleaner, fresher air with fewer allergens and other pollutants. This is optimal for everyone in your home, and especially for children and the elderly. This will also help those who might suffer from allergies or asthma in your home. Installing a clean air filter means that your HVAC system will not be circulating air that is contaminated by dust, pollen or other small particles and pollution. Instead, these will be filtered out, leaving your air clean and healthy, so everyone in your home can breathe easier.
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Save Money
Changing your air filter regularly prevents unnecessary damage to your HVAC system. Not only that, but replacing a dirty air filter will save you a lot of money on operating costs. Clogged air filters inhibit your HVAC system’s ability to run in optimal condition, making it work harder than it needs to. This is the reason that your electricity bill is much higher than it should be. If you keep your air filter clean and in good condition and regularly maintain your HVAC system, you could be saving about 15% on utility costs.
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It Is More Environmentally Friendly
If you fail to keep your air filter clean, you are also failing to protect the environment. You know by now that a clogged air filter results in an HVAC system that works harder, and this means that it will produce a larger amount of greenhouse gases that enter the atmosphere. Being environmentally friendly doesn’t mean giving up the comforts of your life. It can also be something as simple as replacing your air filter that can make all the difference as years go by.
So the real question is: how often should you change your air filter? And how often should you change your furnace filter? It varies from household to household but there are general rules and recommendations to help guide you in finding out what is best for your HVAC system.
How Often Should I Change My In-home Filters?
In general, you will want to switch out your air filter every 30 days if you are using an inexpensive fibreglass filter. If you are using a higher-end pleated air filter, then these can last you about six months. These guidelines only take into account average use and do not consider the size and type of filter.
Normally, you’ll want to replace your pleated air filters and furnace filters in your home every 90 days. The longer you use the same air filter, the more it becomes clogged with dust and allergens, hindering its efficiency. Go through the following questions to find if you should be changing your air filters more frequently than you might think.
Does Anyone In Your Household Suffer From Allergies Or Asthma? Or Do You Have Young Children Or Elderly In Your Home?
Indoor air quality is just as important as outdoor air quality. So if you pay attention to the air when you go outdoors, you should be just as concerned as the air you are breathing in your home. Don’t assume that just because you’re indoors that your air quality is safe. Those who have asthma, suffer from allergies or are young or elderly are more sensitive to airborne particles. You’ll want to change your air filter every six weeks to help alleviate these issues.
Do You Have Pets?
If you own a cat or dog, then you know that their fur and odor can build up over time. Shedding also worsens as the seasons change. If you own any pets, you will want to change your air filter every two months, and especially when the seasons change from winter to spring and summer turns into fall.
Other Factors That Affect Your Air Filter
Your home size – a larger home will require more frequent air filter replacements, because your HVAC system will be circulating more air than that of a smaller system.
Air quality – if you live in a bigger, more urban city or area, the air in your home will be more polluted with the smog, dust and debris that are found outdoors. This means you’ll need to change your air filter more often to prevent it working overtime.
How often you use your HVAC system – if you live in a mild climate, chances are you don’t need to turn on your HVAC system as often as someone who lives in a cold or hot environment. If you do, then you should be changing your air filter every few weeks, especially if using a fibreglass filter.
Author’s Bio
Colin Hegarty is a content writer for BreezeMaxWeb that helps businesses showcase their brand through enticing copy. When he’s not working, you can find him playing net in a local beer league or biking around the city.
