One question we get asked a lot as the weather gets warmer is whether your HVAC’s air filter needs to be changed more frequently during the summer.
The answer is: maybe. It depends on a few different factors, including how much you use your A/C during the summer and your family’s indoor air quality needs.
An air filter has a simple but important job: it catches tiny particles in the air and prevents them from being circulated back through your HVAC system. This is important for two reasons:
- It makes the air you are breathing cleaner. Most of the air that goes through your A/C or heater is air that was already in your house. It’s picked up the dust, pet dander, pollen from outside, mold, and anything else that might be floating around. An air filter can remove a lot of these pollutants as air gets pulled into your HVAC system, making it easier for your family to breathe.
- It puts less strain on your HVAC system. Like any machine, dust and grime wears down moving parts. The filter helps keep these particles from the machinery. However, when the filter isn’t cleaned, air flow is slowed down and your HVAC system has to work harder to get the air it needs to function. This causes it to use more energy, raising your utility bill in the process.
Obviously, it makes sense to replace your air filter regularly. The main reason to change it more often in the summer is usage. During hotter months, your A/C runs more often, resulting in a dirtier filter. You also typically have more allergens in the air during the spring and summer months. If anyone in your home suffers from allergies or other breathing difficulties, keeping a clean filter can help them breathe easier.
How often should you change your filter? Many homeowners find that changing it once a month in the summer gives them the best results.
For further question about air filter care or other HVAC issues, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We serve Lorain and the surrounding area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area