You know you should change the air filter on your HVAC system regularly, but if you’re like most homeowners, you sometimes forget. The fact is, changing the filter is the single most important thing you can do to keep your air conditioner, furnace or heat pump running right, all year long.
It’s also relatively inexpensive and it’s something most homeowners can do themselves.
Why Change the Air Filter Regularly?
Whenever you’ve changed the filter in the past, you’ve no doubt noticed that after a time, it develops a coating of dirt and dust. If the dirt is allowed to build up too much, it can impede the airflow that the system needs to do its job. Slowing down the airflow means your system can’t cool or heat effectively, and it will start working harder to try to achieve your temperature set points. That causes more stress on the parts, which can lead to repairs and even premature breakdown.
A clean air filter also helps you lower your utility costs. When the equipment isn’t straining to cool or heat, it isn’t drawing as much power, so that will be reflected in your gas or electric bill.
But say you’ve got the best intentions in the world, and you seem to consistently overlook changing the air filter. How can you remember better?
Tips for Remembering to Change Your HVAC Filter
1. You’re probably pretty attached to that smart phone, right? So why not put a reminder in your calendar to change the filter? If you generally use a low-cost fiberglass filter, you should change it every month; higher-end pleated filters are usually good for three months. If you have a large family, pets and lots of in-and-out traffic in your home, you may need to change it more often.
2. If you have a smart thermostat, set it to remind you to change the filter.
3. Sync changing the filter with another household task, such as cleaning the bathroom.
For more tips on changing your air filter, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning, serving 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