Your HVAC air filter is in place to trap debris so it doesn’t harm your heating and cooling components, but under certain conditions, it can get dirty faster and need replacing more often. Here are some reasons why this happens, and what to do about an extra dirty air filter:
Outdoor Temperature Extremes
When it’s extremely cold or hot outside, your HVAC equipment will run for longer cycles to maintain your comfort, so air gets pulled through the filter more often. You can’t control the weather, but you can make sure there’s a fresh filter installed when extremes are forecast to maintain ample system airflow.
Incorrect Fan Setting
If the fan setting on your thermostat is in the “on” position, the blower will run non-stop and draw air through the filter continuously. You can keep your air filter cleaner longer, and avoid circulating unconditioned air when your HVAC equipment cycles off, by switching the setting to “auto.”
Unsealed Ductwork
When the ductwork isn’t properly sealed, contaminants from unfinished areas like the attic and basement can get drawn into your HVAC system through gaps and leaks. Having the ducts sealed with mastic or metal-backed tape (and insulated too) can keep these undesirable particles out and boost your system’s energy efficiency.
Excessive Debris in the Ductwork
If you’ve had interior home improvement projects done recently, you have pets, or your home is always extra dusty, debris that’s floating in the air is likely to get pulled into the ductwork through the return grilles. Having your ductwork professionally cleaned, vacuuming throughout the house more often and wiping down your air registers frequently may help.
Indoor Air Quality Issues
An always-dirty filter may be a sign that your home’s air supply contains a lot of pollen, mold spores, pet dander and other allergens and contaminants. Having a whole-house air cleaner added to your HVAC system can give you healthier air, but you’ll still need to monitor the air filter.
If you’re dealing with a frequently dirty air filter in your Lorain home and need expert solutions, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
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 other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area