For most, being comfortable inside often means having a nice, cool home in the summer, or a cozy, warm one in the winter. The number on the thermostat is only a small part of the system, and unfortunately people pay less attention to the things they don’t see–like air quality, and the role it plays in how we feel. That’s why we think that air filters are the unsung heroes of the HVAC system. They’re responsible for filtration, but are often overlooked and or forgotten about. But why should you keep your filters clean? Well, here are a few reasons why:
- The obvious being, improved indoor air quality.
- Then there’s improved overall efficiency.
- Plus, the potential to improve the lifespan of your HVAC system.
When it comes to indoor air quality, the primary function of air filters is quite literally to be a barrier for the harmful particles so that the air that circulates in the home is clean.
Air filters assist in removing airborne contaminants like dust, dirt, mold, pet dander, as well as other bacteria.
Efficiency comes into play when the system is trying to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. If air filters are clogged, it can lead to inconsistent air temperatures, as the system is having a harder time pushing the required amount of air through the system. Simply put, if the system has to work harder, it means it’s not performing efficiently, and this will typically be reflected in higher energy bills.
And last but not least, if you want to decrease the risk of system failure, it pays to change out the air filters on time. Because if the system has to work harder it’s not only inefficient, but also adds wear and tear to the system as a whole. New filters help the system run smoother, in turn extending its useful life.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filters?
Well, this question really depends. When it comes to the general rule of thumb, filters should be changed with the seasons. However, frequency can often depend on individual life circumstances.
Do you have a pet? If yes, filters tend to get dirtier faster due to pet hair. And if you have more than one pet, you may need to change your filter even more often. Filters may also need to be changed more frequently if you suffer from allergies, if someone in the home smokes inside, if there are lots of carpets, or even if you have a wood burning heat source. Thus, the frequency of changing is very personal to each household.
If you notice that your filter is completely covered, vacuuming it off may help hold it over for a little longer. But keep in mind, this typically helps to get rid of only the large particles (like hair) that may be trapped. It is still best practice to change filters as soon as you notice that they have become clogged.
Why Do My HVAC Filter Dirty So Quickly?
This can be a common thought if you are noticing that you have to change your air filters more than normal. So let’s take a look at some reasons why:
HVAC Settings
If your system is set to constantly being “on” instead of “auto” it means that air is constantly passing through the system–24/7 without pause. This can be a common culprit for faster wear. Try switching your system to “auto” to help improve efficiency.
Extreme Temperatures
Even if your system is set to “auto” if there are extreme hot or cold temperatures outside your window, the system may still be constantly running in order to keep up. So, this circles back to the previous point, the more your system has to run, the faster the filter will become clogged due to the constant movement of air.
A Dusty Home
Sometimes dust can just randomly appear out of what seems like nowhere. However, that’s not the case. Dust can accumulate over time, especially if you have rooms in your home that are rarely used. Dust particles can then be sucked into your HVAC system and spread throughout your home via the ventilation. Plus, if you’ve recently renovated or had any construction work done, construction dust can easily be in your ductwork and thus your air filter.
Pets
As mentioned earlier, pet hair can clog air filters at a faster pace than normal. Those fluffy “dust bunnies” and random “hair balls” that are floating through the air are some of the biggest culprits of clogged filters due to the particle size. Regular vacuuming and pet grooming can help mitigate this issue.
Improper Filter Selection
Some may know this, some may not, but filters often have a MERV rating. MERV stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value” and is used to measure how well a filter can remove the particles from the air. If you’ve selected a filter with too high of a rating, air can struggle to pass through it, and thus lead to decreased performance. Bigger isn’t always better.
To Sum Things Up
When you know better, you can do better. We hope that by understanding the importance of keeping your filters clean you’ll set a reminder for regular changes and don’t let this important maintenance step be forgotten. As always, we will be happy to help you with the replacement of your filters, and you can read more about our service here.
Still have questions or want to get a quote? Feel free to give us a call at 888-334-1612
