Maintaining the quality of air inside your home requires keeping your HVAC system in good working order. Changing your HVAC filters on a regular basis is an important part of this maintenance. But how often should you really change them? Let’s find out.
At IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. in Arlington Heights, IL, we can help you understand when and how to replace your air filter as well as perform routine annual maintenance to keep your unit running smoothly year-round.
Why Regular HVAC Filter Changes Matter
Changing your HVAC filters on a regular basis is important to keep your system running well and making it last as long as possible. Filters catch dust, dirt, and other tiny particles in the air so they don’t get into the HVAC system and do damage. When your filters are dirty, your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through, which means your energy bills will go up and your unit won’t last as long as it should. A clean filter also improves the quality of the air inside by lowering the amount of allergens and pollutants.
Signs That Your HVAC Filters Need Replacing
Figuring out when to replace your HVAC filters is important for keeping your system running at its best. One of the most obvious signs is when you notice that there is limited airflow coming out of your vents. This could mean that the filter is clogged and blocking airflow. If you keep using your system but your energy bills keep going up, it could be because the filter is getting dirty, making the system work harder to move air through it. If you see dust or dirt building up around your vents or smell musty air in your home, this could mean that your filter isn’t trapping airborne particles as well as it used to. Lastly, look at the filter. It needs to be replaced if it looks dirty or has been used for longer than the recommended time.
How Often Should Different Types of Filters Be Changed?
How often you should change your filter depends on the type of filter you use, how often you use your HVAC system, and the conditions of your home. Standard fiberglass filters need to be changed about every 30 to 60 days because they get clogged up pretty quickly. Most of the time, you should change your pleated filters every 90 days. They work better and last longer. You might need to change your filters more often if you have pets, live in a dusty area, or use your HVAC system a lot. Additionally, we recommend checking your filters more frequently during peak usage seasons, primarily summer and winter. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific type of filter and think about how your HVAC works to figure out when to replace it.
How Air Filters Create Clean Air for Homeowners
As air moves through your home, it brings a number of airborne pollutants with it. Without a proper filter, these particles would keep moving around, making the air quality worse and possibly making asthma or allergies worse. The HVAC filter, which acts as a barrier, stops these pollutants from coming back into your living spaces. This keeps the air cleaner and makes your HVAC system work better by keeping dust and other particles from building up on all of its components. If you change your HVAC filters on a regular basis, you’ll keep this barrier in place, which will improve the air you and your family breathe. This is particularly important for people with allergies and respiratory illnesses.
Contact Us Today
You can keep your home comfortable and your HVAC system running smoothly by keeping an eye out for signs of clogged filters, learning how often to replace different types, and doing regular maintenance. Remember, taking care of your HVAC system’s filters will protect your family’s health.
Want to make sure your HVAC system in Arlington Heights runs efficiently and your air stays clean? Contact IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. today to learn more about our maintenance plans. We also offer cooling, heating, and indoor air quality services as well as products like boilers, humidifiers, and air purifiers.
