Unfortunately, many homeowners totally forget about an essential component of their HVAC system — the air filter.
However, this modest, little component plays a powerful role in the efficiency and effectiveness of any central, forced-air cooling or heating system. Not changing a filter before it gets clogged can have several negative consequences. So just how often should you change air filters in your furnace, heat pump or A/C? It depends on several factors.
How an Air Filter Works
But first it’s important to understand the role an air filter plays in your HVAC system. An effective air filter not only helps remove various unhealthy contaminants from indoor air (mold spores, pet dander, allergens, bacteria, etc.) for improved air quality; it also protects sensitive HVAC components from the negative effects of dust and debris. Those include reduced efficiency and a higher risk of breakdown.
Air filters come in a wide range of quality and efficiency levels, with the lowest-efficiency, flat-panel fiberglass filters not doing much to remove smaller particulates from the air. The good news is that for a few dollars more you can buy an air filter that will keep HVAC components from getting covered in dust while removing most of the contaminants that threaten family health. Top-of-the-line air filters, meanwhile, will remove almost all of those contaminants.
When Do You Change Air Filters?
A good rule of thumb is to check the filter monthly, and when it looks like it’s getting clogged with dust, change it (or clean reusable filters). During Southwest Arizona’s long, intense summer, you’ll likely be changing the filter at least every month. During seasons when neither A/C or heating is being used very much, you won’t have to change the filter very often, if at all.
If you live in an area with a lot of dust or allergens, or have construction work occurring in or near your home, you’ll also want to check and change air filters more frequently.
For more advice on choosing and maintaining the air filter in your Yuma area home, please contact us 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.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/Pixabay”
