How to Remember to Change Your Home’s Air Filters

How to Remember to Change Your Home's Air FiltersWinter or summer, the air filter is a critical component of your HVAC system. A clean, fully functional filter supports proper air circulation, one of the most important factors to ensure optimum energy efficiency and maximum heating and cooling system performance.

A clean filter also supports healthy indoor air quality as the entire air volume in the house circulates through the filter multiple times each day.

How To Change The Filter

It’s an easy DIY procedure that only takes a moment. If you’re not familiar with your system, ask your local HVAC contractor to demonstrate the right way to get it done. They’ll be happy to help.

How Often

The air filter should be changed every month during the cooling season. Air conditioners usually run more hours per day in summer than furnaces in winter (particularly here in Yuma.) In winter, you should at least visually inspect the filter monthly and—if it hasn’t yet become visibly dusty or dirty—change it every other month.

How To Remember To Replace It

You can take one of several methods to jog your memory and make air filter replacement a regular habit:

  • If you don’t have one already, install a programmable thermostat. Most models include a function to display reminders for routine maintenance, including air filter changes. Wifi programmable thermostats will even send you a text or email reminder. A programmable thermostat also makes indoor comfort more consistent and lowers utility costs, usually paying for itself after a year.
  • Associate filter changes with related chores. For example, when you pay your utility bill every month, make that event a reminder to change the filter by remembering that regular filter changes mean lower bills in the future.
  • Keep replacement filters conspicuous. Don’t hide them in a dark corner out in the garage. Keep a neat stack of replacement filters in plain sight in an indoor utility or laundry room. You’ll get a reminder to change it every time you walk in the door.

For advice about how and when to change the HVAC air filter, contact the professionals at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona 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 928-723-3183.

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