HVAC systems are like many other components in our homes: we don’t think about them until they stop working. That is in part because HVAC components are robust and built to last a long time. However, much like with a car, they need regular maintenance to do so.
Cleaning your HVAC filter may be one of the most important maintenance tasks to ensure that your system is functioning as it should. It’s good for energy efficiency as well as ensuring there is clean air in your home.
There is a lot of information out there about air filters, including different durations for changing or cleaning them. it can be difficult to know what is the right answer. The reason for this is that how often you change yours depends on your usage and unique household heating and cooling needs.
The good news is that there are only a few basic considerations when making this determination. The information below lays out everything you need to know about why and how often you should change your filter.
What Does An HVAC Filter Do?
All the air used to heat or cool your home passes through your heat pump or air conditioner unit. An HVAC filter catches dirt and dust particles so that they are not pumped out into your home. It does so in various capacities, depending on the type of filter you have.
Replaceable Vs. Reusable
Most filters you throw out and replace. Although some (like a lot of ductless mini splits) have reusable ones that you can clean with warm water. You should remove, clean, dry, and replace these with the same frequency as other filters.
MERV Ratings
The main big difference in types of HVAC filters is in their capacity to remove different sized particles from the air. This is defined as its “minimum efficiency reporting value” or MERV rating. The higher the MERV rating the smaller the particles the filter will catch.
Almost all filters remove the largest particles of pollen, dust, carpet fibers, and even some dust mites. Increased MERV ratings start catching things like mold spores and finer powders (like coal or lead dust). The highest-rated filters can eliminate tobacco smoke, microscopic allergens, and even viruses and bacteria.
The MERV level you need for your HVAC filter depends on several factors. These include what you want to remove from the air and the size and capacity of your HVAC system. For instance, if you have pets in your home, you may want a filter that can remove dander floating around in the air that can cause allergies.
But you don’t want a filter that will cause your system to work too hard, much like a clogged filter. If you are unsure what filter is right for your filtration needs and system, a trained HVAC service technician will be able to recommend one for you.
Why Is It Important To Replace Or Clean Your Filter?
Neglecting your air filter can cause myriad problems for your HVAC components. The most severe of which are system malfunctions or damage to the equipment. It is easy to imagine how replacing a filter is much cheaper than major system repairs.
Clogged filters also make your HVAC system work harder. This means increased utility bills and greater wear and tear on components.
Over time, this strain can significantly reduce the life of your equipment. Also, a dirty filter can cause particles to build up in your ductwork, leading to inefficiencies or other more serious problems.
How Often Should You Clean Or Replace Your Filter?
A general rule of thumb is that you clean or replace your filter every 90 days. This is a good jumping-off point.
While there are exceptions, such as with higher MERV-rated filters, no longer than every 90 days is a suitable baseline. But, if you are using the cheapest fiberglass filters available, then you may want to change them every month or so.
Other circumstances may prompt you to change the filter more often. Again, if you have pets that shed a lot or young children that are more susceptible to poor air quality, more frequent changes will be beneficial. If anyone in your home has asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions, having a clean HVAC filter will go a long way to eliminating particles that could exacerbate these conditions.
Beyond these specifics, there are more general considerations. One is how much you run your HVAC system. If you live in a temperate climate and do not use a lot of air and heat during certain times of the year, then you can expect your filter to be less dirty.
The size of your home is a similar factor. Smaller houses need systems that pump less air to achieve the desired temperature and may need fewer filter changes.
Remember though that smaller HVAC systems often come with smaller filters. So, square footage is not a fool-proof way to estimate how often a filter needs changing.
Annual Maintenance Plans
One of the easiest ways to take care of air filter cleaning or replacement is with a regular HVAC maintenance plan. Not only does the service company replace the filter when needed (and not before), they can make recommendations about the appropriate MERV rating and type of filter for your home.
This can go a long way toward keeping your system running efficiently. These have the added bonus of inspecting other components of your system. So, you can have the peace of mind that the air inside your home is as clean and pure as possible without going overboard.
Learn More About HVAC Maintenance
Now that you have an idea of how and when you should change or replace your HVAC filter, you can get your system running at optimal capacity. This will ensure cleaner air in your home, reductions in your utility bill, and extend the life of your HVAC system.
For more than 25 years, AirPro has proven itself to be a prominent HVAC company in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area by providing exceptional HVAC repair, installation, and inspection services. We pride ourselves on exceeding our clients’ expectations. Reach out to us today to learn about our HVAC maintenance program or the many other services we provide.
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