How Often Should A/c Filters Be Changed

Without a clean air filter, your HVAC unit works harder and is prone to more breakdowns. Compared to other DIY home improvement projects, changing air filters is a quick and painless process that can be done in less than an 60 minutes. All the same, many homeowners are unaware of how often air filters need to be replaced, leaving their system vulnerable to impairment. Keep reading to learn when and how to modify your air filter.

Why Changing Your Filter Is Of import

Air filters trap pet hair, dust, and other irritating particles so that your air-conditioning system delivers fresh, clean air back into your home. Eventually, the filter traps so much dust and droppings that air can't properly filter or travel to the HVAC unit, leading to:

High energy bills—When an HVAC filter is clogged, your system has to work harder to pull air through to cool or heat the room. This causes information technology to run for longer periods of time, increasing the energy your domicile uses.
Wellness concerns—If a filter isn't working properly, dust and allergens can circulate throughout your home and cause allergies and respiratory illnesses.
System failure—An HVAC arrangement has to piece of work difficult to pull air through a clogged filter. This continuous strain on the unit tin crusade it to suspension, causing you lot to pay for expensive repairs or replacements.

How to Change Your Air Filter

You should ideally change your air filter every three months, still, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to alter out an old filter.

Type of air filter—Some air filters are more effective than others. Lower quality fiberglass filters are more than affordable, only they don't concluding long and demand to exist changed every month. Pleated air filters are loftier-quality filters that are very constructive in trapping particles and last up to 90 days.
Pets—If you own pets, change your filters every 2 months to proceed your air clean.
Allergies—If you suffer from allergies, fifty-fifty the smallest amount of dust or debris in the air can trigger a reaction. To ensure your system is pumping only clean air, modify your filters about every 50 days.
Children—If you have young children in the habitation, keep the indoor air quality high past replacing your air filters every 2 months.
Habitation use—Homes that employ their HVAC system daily need more frequent air filter replacements than a holiday abode that doesn't filter air regularly. If your home's heating and cooling system but run a few times a year, replace the air filters every six to 12 months.

While these factors bear upon the frequency of air filter replacement, you lot should visually inspect your filter every month to bank check for excess particle buildup. If the dingy air filter is completely layered with dust and debris, it'south a good idea to change the filter fifty-fifty if it hasn't reached the stop of its recommended lifespan.

How to Change Your Filter

Here's how to modify your air filter when it's time for a replacement.

Purchase the right size filter—To find the size of your filter, cheque the old filter, which should take the size printed on i of its sides. If you tin't locate the size of the old filter, use a measuring tape to check its length, width, and depth.
Plow off your unit of measurement—Flip the switch on your thermostat to plow off the unit of measurement, or plough your system completely off at the excursion breaker.
Locate the filter—Your air filter is located in one of two places: a return duct or the air handler located in an cranium, basement, or utility cupboard.
Remove the grille or comprehend to the air filter—If your air filter is located in the system's air handler, open the access panel. This may crave a screwdriver to remove the small screws securing it. If your filter is in the render duct, flip the latches that hold the grille and remove it.
Remove the sometime filter and insert the new i—Take the erstwhile filter from its place, carefully inspecting how it was situated within the cover or grille. Accept the new filter and identify information technology inside, making sure the airflow arrows are pointed into the unit.
Replace the cover and turn your system on—After replacing the filter, turn your organization back on to ensure the filter is situated correctly and the air conditioner is running smoothly.