The air filter in your HVAC system does more than just clean your air; it also keeps your system running efficiently and smoothly. You should inspect and change the air filter often if you want it to do its job.
When and How to Replace Your Filter
Start by developing a habit of checking the air filter every month. When you remove it, hold it up to a nearby light and try to look through it. If you can’t see to the other side, it’s time to change the air filter. Depending on several factors, including the size of your home, number of pets, indoor smoke or construction and how much your HVAC system is running, the time between changes will vary. You can typically expect having to change the air filter every one to three months.
Changing the air filter is a simple process, but you can always ask a technician or refer to your HVAC equipment’s manual for guidance if needed. Make sure you pick a suitable replacement filter that fits into your system. A poorly fitted filter will cause problems similar to a dirty filter.
How a Dirty Filter Affects Your System
Is all this work worth it? The answer is yes, because a dirty filter hurts you in many ways. It’s difficult for air to pass through a clogged filter, which means your blower motor, which regulates airflow, has to work harder than normal. This expedites wear and tear, shortening the lifespan of the blower and making a breakdown more likely.
Another issue is that the air filter is the last line of defense against contaminants in your air, such as mold spores, mildew, dust and other unwanted pariculates before they enter your HVAC system and ducts. While these can harm you if you breathe them in, they can also hurt your equipment. Mold can accumulate on A/C and heat pump indoor coils, lowering the efficiency of the system and costing you much more over time than a new filter would.
If you have any questions about changing the air filter in your Cleveland-area home, please 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 air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area