Changing your HVAC system’s air filters is a must to guarantee that clean air circulates throughout your house. Your HVAC unit will work harder and be more prone to malfunctions if it does not have a clean air filter. Changing air filters is a simple and easy task that can be completed in less than an hour, compared to other DIY home repair jobs. Many homeowners, on the other hand, are ignorant of how often their air filters should be updated, leaving their system open to harm. Continue reading to find out when and how to replace your air filter.
How to Change It Properly?
Purchase the correct filter size—To determine the filter size, look at your existing filter, which should have the size printed on one of its sides. You may also find various sizes in this filter store and choose the one for your specific filter. If you can’t determine the measurements of the old filter, use a measuring tape to determine its length, width, and depth.
Shut off your device— To turn off your system, either flip the button on your thermometer or turn off the power switch.
Open the access panel if your air filter is placed in the system’s air handler. Replace the air filter’s cover. To remove the little screws fastening it, you may need a screwdriver. If your filter is in the return duct, remove it by flipping the grille latches.
Remove the old filter and replace it—Remove the old filter from its location, checking it carefully within the cover or grille. Place the replacement filter inside the device, making that the airflow arrows are pointing in the right direction.
Turn your system back on after changing the filter to check the filter is properly positioned and the air conditioner is functioning smoothly.
How Often Should You Do It?
When utilizing less costly fiberglass filters, it is recommended that you change your air filter in your house every 30 days. High-end pleated filters can last up to six months, but these standard limits are based on normal use and do not account for filter size or type.
In general, pleated air filters and heater filters should be replaced every 90 days in your house. The longer the filter stays in place, the more dirt, dust, and allergens are trapped inside, clogging the filter and reducing its effectiveness. If you have such problems in your house, you should replace your filter more frequently than is suggested.
At least once a month, air filters and furnace filters should be checked. If they’re filthy, replace them with a new, clean air filter. Whether you hold the air filter up to a light source while removing it from the air handler, you’ll be able to see if it’s dusty or clogged.
If you live in a smaller house, air conditioners and furnaces must pump less air to achieve the same temperature change, which means fewer filter replacements. However, because the smaller the appliance used to cool the tiny room usually has smaller filters, you may need to change the filter more frequently than you would in a bigger residence.
House with Pets
If you own a cat or dog, you’re well aware that odor may accumulate over time, and that shedding is at its worst during the changing of seasons. If you have a pet, you should change your air filter every two months, especially as the seasons shift from winter to spring and summer to fall.
House with Children
When you have little children at home, you want to ensure that your indoor air quality is as good as possible. You should replace your filter every 2-3 months at the absolute least to keep the quality of the air monitored and your house clean and comfortable.
Why Changing Your Air Filter Is Important?
High energy bills—A clogged HVAC filter forces your system to work harder to move air through to cool or heat the area. As a result, it runs for longer periods, consuming more energy in your home.
Health concerns—Dust and allergens can travel throughout your house if a filter isn’t operating correctly, causing allergies and respiratory diseases.
A blocked filter forces an HVAC system to work harder to move air through it. This constant stress on the item may lead it to break, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.
Pet hair, dust, and other annoying particles are trapped by air filters, allowing your air conditioning system to distribute fresh, clean air back into your house. The filter eventually catches so much dust and dirt that air cannot filter or pass to the HVAC unit correctly. To guarantee that the air quality is as excellent as possible, you must be vigilant and cautious, as the health of you and your loved ones is the most essential consideration.
