I received this question from a reader and would like to take the time to respond and help whoever else may have this same question.
“How often should I replace my HVAC air filter?” -Pam, ND
This is an important question because your clean air filters will ensure that your HVAC performs properly. It also ensures that your family is breathing quality air. And great maintenance to your HVAC, especially the air filters, ensures lower energy bills as well.
Longevity of your air filters depends on a few things:
1. Type of air filter you are using
2. Overall air quality of your home
3. How many pets you have inside the home
4. Number of people living in home
5. Level of pollution and construction around the home
Typically a 1″- 3″ air filter should be changed every 30-60 days. If you suffer from allergies, have pets that live indoors, more than 2 people living in the home, and/or have lots of construction or pollution nearby, change it more often (like once a month). If you have a media filter which is typically larger/thicker, you could change it about every 3-6 months (3 months if you have the above listed conditions). If the home is a vacation home, in a remote area, with few cars nearby, then you could probably change it less often, like every 6 months. Just remember the more pollutants you have in your air, dog hair, cat hair, exhaust from cars, dust, allergens, etc. the quicker your air filter will clog and need to be changed more frequently. A poorly maintained air filter will result in a poorly performing HVAC system.
A few clues that indicate it’s time to change the filter:
1. The most obvious- the filter is dirty
2. If you notice you have to dust your house more often
3. If you notice the air vent screens are dirty
4. Most newer thermostats will notify you when its time for a change
5. If its been 30-60 days or your recommended change out time
There are a few things you can do to remember to change your filters:
1. Set up e-mail reminders
2. Install a phone app that will send you reminders
3. Write it down on your calendar
4. If you change yours out every 3 months, try to time it with other quarterly tasks, like paying tax deposits, fertilizing, seasonal decorating, etc. If you change it out every month, coincide with pets monthly medications, paying rent, changing your calendar, etc.
5. If it’s a newer thermostat, check it every once in a while, it will probably notify you when you need to change them out.
To help your HVAC system and air filters, its recommended to dust, clean or vacuum regularly. Try to shampoo your carpets and upholstery annually. You should also have the HVAC system checked annually.
Best of luck with your air filters! Please let me know if you have any other questions! Send questions to info@mydiyguy.com! Thanks!
No related posts.
Loading ...
