Maintaining optimal air quality and energy efficiency in your home starts with a fundamental component of your HVAC system: the air filter. At Lyons, we emphasize the importance of regularly changing your air filter. A clean air filter ensures a healthy indoor environment by trapping pollutants and allergens. It also enhances the efficiency of your HVAC system while keeping energy bills low and extending the life of your system.
Understanding how often to change your air filter can affect the quality of air in your home and the performance of your heating and cooling system. In this blog, our Rockwall heating and cooling pros at Lyons explain the importance of changing your HVAC filter regularly, how to know it’s time, and other important tips.
If you’re struggling with poor air quality even after changing your old filter, there might be a more serious problem at hand. Call Lyons Air & Heat at (214) 432-2859 or reach out online to schedule an appointment with one of our Rockwall air quality experts today.
The Purpose of Air Filters
Air filters trap and remove airborne contaminants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even microscopic pollutants. This is critical for homes and businesses that want to maintain clean and healthy indoor air. Removing dust and other airborne particles is especially important for anyone who suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
A clean HVAC filter can also improve the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system. When air filters are clogged with dirt and debris, the system has to exert more effort to push air through, leading to increased energy usage and higher utility bills. This extra work not only strains the HVAC system but can lead to frequent repairs and a system that goes out much sooner than necessary.
Regularly changing or cleaning air filters ensures your heater and air conditioner operate efficiently. A clean air filter also helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the space, as a clogged filter can lead to uneven heating or cooling.
Are You Supposed To Change Your HVAC Air Filter?
Changing your HVAC air filter is an important maintenance task that should not be overlooked. Dirty or clogged air filters can create a host of problems that affect the efficiency of your HVAC system and the air quality in your home.
A clogged filter leads to less air flow and forces the system to work harder, which can lead to more energy use and high utility bills. Over time, this extra strain can cause wear and tear, leading to breakdowns and repairs. When air filters are not regularly changed, they lose their effectiveness in trapping contaminants. This decreased filter efficiency allows dust, pollen, and other allergens to circulate through your home.
Air Filter Replacement
On average, an HVAC filter should be changed every 90 days, but this time frame varies based on the type of filter being used. Fiberglass filters are the most basic type and may need to be replaced more frequently every 30 days due to their lower particle-capturing capabilities. Pleated filters, on the other hand, offer a greater surface area for trapping contaminants and can last between 60 to 90 days before needing replacement. The most effective, however, are HEPA filters. A HEPA filter traps very small particles that other filters may be unable to. Typically, these filters have longer lifespans than others, but they can vary. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s guide to know when to replace your HEPA filter.
In addition to the type of air filter used in heaters and air conditioners, other factors like pets, the number of occupants, and whether anyone has allergies or respiratory issues can also affect how often you should change your air filter. More frequent filter replacements may be needed to maintain optimal air quality and system performance in homes with higher amounts of dust or pet dander or where occupants are sensitive to airborne particles.
How Often To Change AC Filter
Generally, it is recommended to change the air filter in your cooling system every 60 to 90 days. However, this can vary depending on the type of filter, usage frequency, and environmental conditions. For instance, if you have pets, live in a dusty area, or have allergies, you might need to replace the filter more often every 30 to 45 days.
How Often To Change Furnace Filter
Furnace filters should be replaced every 90 days to maintain an efficient heating system and good air quality. Like air conditioner filters, pets, allergies, or high dust areas may require more frequent furnace filter replacement. For homes with minimal furnace usage or without these specific conditions, the filter can often last up to 6 months.
Factors Influencing Air Filter Replacement Frequency
Several factors can influence how often you need to replace your air filter; understanding these can help you maintain optimal air quality in your home. Homes with furry pets often require more frequent filter changes due to pet hair and dander. Similarly, individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions benefit from more frequent replacements to ensure cleaner air, free from allergens and irritants. Smoking indoors also requires more filter changes, as smoke particles significantly reduce air quality.
For residents of Rockwall, external factors, like high pollen levels and weather conditions, can also lead to more frequent HVAC filter changes. High pollen counts and windy weather can increase the amount of airborne dust, which may require filters to be replaced more often to ensure good air quality.
How to Know if Your Air Filter Needs Changing
The easiest way to know when to change your air filter is to visually inspect it. Look for signs of dirt and grime accumulation; if the filter appears gray and clogged, it’s time to change. If you notice reduced airflow or increased dust accumulation around your vents, these are clear indicators that your filter is no longer performing effectively.
Another sign it’s time to change your air filter is an unexplained increase in energy bills, which can suggest your system is working harder due to a dirty filter. It’s also recommended to check if the filter is damaged or fits improperly, as these issues can obstruct its functionality.
Choosing the Right Air Filter For Your Rockwall Home or Business
When choosing the right air filter, it’s important to consider the different types available and their advantages.
- Basic fiberglass filters are cost-effective and trap large particles, suitable for those without serious allergies or respiratory issues.
- Pleated filters, made from higher-quality materials, capture smaller particles and are a better choice for homes with pets, smokers, or individuals with allergies.
- HEPA filters provide the highest level of air filtration, trapping even the smallest particles, and are ideal for environments requiring superior air quality.
The filter choice also depends on your HVAC system’s requirements; it’s crucial to select a filter that fits properly and meets the system’s airflow specifications. Consider local factors, like Rockwall’s weather and pollen levels, when choosing an air filter. If you’re not sure what type of filter to choose, the Rockwall indoor air quality experts at Lyons can provide guidance tailored to your needs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Dirty Air Filter
Changing your dirty air filter is a simple task that can help maintain your HVAC system. Follow the steps below for a quick DIY air filter replacement:
- Make sure your HVAC system is turned off to prevent any safety hazards.
- Then, locate the air filter slot, typically along the return duct or near the furnace or air handler.
- Carefully remove the old filter, noting the direction of the airflow arrow on the frame, as the new filter must be inserted the same way.
- Check the old filter’s size and type to ensure you have the correct replacement filter.
- Before inserting the new filter, clean any dust or debris in the filter slot.
- Carefully slide the new filter in, ensuring no gaps around the edges.
- Finally, note the date of replacement and plan your next change accordingly.
Common mistakes to avoid when replacing air filters include using the wrong size filter, installing it backward, or not securing it properly, which can cause it to work less effectively.
Professional HVAC Maintenance and Indoor Air Quality Services in Rockwall, TX
Lyons stands at the forefront of providing top-notch HVAC services in Rockwall, TX and the surrounding areas. Our team of skilled HVAC technicians understands the critical role air filters play in your system’s health and the air quality in your space. We offer a comprehensive maintenance plan called The Cool Club that involves not only regular filter checks and replacements but also a thorough inspection and tuning of your entire HVAC system. This proactive approach helps identify potential heating and cooling system issues before they escalate. With Lyons Air & Heat, you can rest assured that your indoor air quality and HVAC maintenance are in capable hands.
Call a Rockwall Indoor Air Quality Specialist at Lyons Today
Take the first step towards a healthier, more comfortable home by reaching out to the experts at Lyons. Our team of dedicated indoor air quality specialists is ready to provide you with customized solutions that meet your family’s needs. From comprehensive air filter management to full HVAC system maintenance, we ensure your air quality is optimal and your system runs smoothly. Call us at (214) 432-2859 to schedule a consultation and experience the peace of mind that comes with professional, reliable service in Rockwall, TX. Let us help you breathe easier and live better!
