Replacing your air filter in your HVAC unit on a regular basis is essential for maintaining healthy indoor air quality and efficient operation of your heating and cooling system. The frequency with which you need to replace the filter depends on the type of filter you are using, as well as how often it gets dirty.
Generally speaking, the filters should be replaced every one to three months. Dilling HVAC recommends that if you have pets or occupants with allergies and/or asthma, it may be beneficial to consider changing out the air filter more frequently than suggested. If any of the following symptoms occur, it’s likely time to change out your filter:
1) Poor indoor air quality –
If you notice dust or pollen particles visible in the air, this may be an indication that your filter has become clogged and needs to be replaced.
If you notice an accumulation of dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, or other allergens floating in the air inside your home or office building, this is a strong sign that the filter in the HVAC unit has become clogged and needs to be replaced. Dust particles can also be seen settling on surfaces like furniture and floors, further indicating that the air filter needs to be changed.
When your filter becomes clogged with particulates, it restricts airflow which decreases efficiency and makes it more difficult for the HVAC system to regulate temperatures and humidity levels. This can cause energy bills to rise significantly as well as contribute to poor indoor air quality that may lead to allergies and asthma symptoms.
Replacing your air filter regularly helps ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively and efficiently while providing occupants with clean air free from contaminants.
2) High energy bills –
If you’re noticing unusually high energy costs, it could mean that your HVAC system is working harder than usual due to a dirty filter not allowing for proper air flow.
Replacing your air filter regularly helps keep your HVAC system running efficiently and prevents it from working overtime. When a clogged air filter restricts airflow, the energy required to heat or cool a space increases significantly. This can cause energy bills to rise exponentially as the HVAC unit is forced to work harder in order to regulate temperature and humidity levels.
Additionally, a dirty filter can reduce efficiency of the furnace by up to 15%, leading to even higher energy costs over time. Furthermore, this inefficient use of energy contributes to an increase in greenhouse gases which harm the environment.
It is important to take preventative measures such as replacing your air filter frequently in order to ensure that the HVAC system is operating properly and efficiently while providing occupants with clean air free from pollen, dust, pet dander and other allergens. Keeping the filter clean will not only help reduce energy costs but also improve indoor air quality resulting in improved comfort and reduced allergies and asthma symptoms.
3) Excessive dust –
If you’ve noticed an increase in dust building up on furniture and surfaces around your home, it could be a sign that the filter is no longer trapping particles effectively.
When the filter in your HVAC unit is no longer trapping particles effectively, it can lead to an increase in dust building up on furniture and other surfaces around your home. As the air filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, a significant amount of air can be blocked from passing through, leading to decreased efficiency in temperature regulation. This decreased efficiency can cause airborne particles like dust, pollen, bacteria, and other allergens to linger inside your home or office building. Additionally, inadequate airflow allows for a higher concentration of these pollutants due to less ventilation.
The accumulation of dust on furniture and surfaces around your home may also be indicative of poor indoor air quality caused by a dirty filter. When the filter is not replaced regularly, it causes the furnace fan motor to work harder than necessary in order to regulate temperatures and humidity levels. This can lead to higher energy costs as well as contribute to poor indoor air quality that may lead to allergies and asthma symptoms.
Replacing your air filter regularly helps ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively and efficiently while providing occupants with clean air free from contaminants. It is important to take preventative measures such as replacing your air filter frequently in order to reduce energy costs while also improving indoor air quality resulting in improved comfort and reduced allergies and asthma symptoms.
4) Reduced air flow from vents –
Decreased airflow from registers can be caused by a filthy filter restricting the amount of air passing through the system.
When a filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, it can limit the amount of air passing through the HVAC system. This decreased airflow prevents proper temperature regulation and can cause hot or cold spots in different parts of a home or building.
5) Musty odors when the unit is running –
Dirt and debris can accumulate in your air filter, causing odors to be circulated throughout your home.
When dirt, dust, and other debris accumulate in an air filter, it can restrict airflow and reduce the effectiveness of your HVAC system. This reduced airflow can cause odors to be circulated throughout your home or building, creating an unpleasant and musty smell.
6) Unusual noises –
A dirty filter can cause increased strain on the HVAC system, resulting in loud, strange noises coming from the unit.
7) More frequent HVAC service calls –
If you find yourself needing to call for service more often than usual, it may be because of a clogged or worn-out air filter.
8) Allergies or asthma symptoms worsening –
When allergens are not filtered out of the air properly, they can trigger irritation and discomfort to those with sensitivities.
9) Hot/cold spots in different areas of your home –
An insufficient air filter can cause uneven temperatures due to poor air flow.
10) Visible damage to the air filter –
If you look at your filter and notice tears, rips, or discoloration, it is time for a new one.
Ultimately, following the manufacturer’s instructions with regards to HVAC filter replacement is always best practice. Replacing the filter on a regular basis will help ensure optimal performance of your system and improve the quality of air in your home.
For questions about HVAC filter replacement or any other indoor comfort needs you may have, contact Dilling HVAC today!
