How Often Do You Change Air Filter

Without a clean air filter, your HVAC unit of measurement works harder and is prone to more than breakdowns. Compared to other DIY home comeback projects, changing air filters is a quick and painless process that tin be done in less than an hour. However, many homeowners are unaware of how ofttimes air filters need to be replaced, leaving their system vulnerable to damage. Go on reading to acquire when and how to change your air filter.

Why Irresolute Your Filter Is Important

Air filters trap pet hair, dust, and other irritating particles and then that your air conditioning arrangement delivers fresh, make clean air dorsum into your home. Eventually, the filter traps and then much dust and debris that air tin can't properly filter or travel to the HVAC unit of measurement, leading to:

High energy bills—When an HVAC filter is chock-full, your system has to work harder to pull air through to cool or heat the room. This causes it to run for longer periods of fourth dimension, increasing the energy your home uses.
Health concerns—If a filter isn't working properly, dust and allergens can circulate throughout your home and crusade allergies and respiratory illnesses.
System failure—An HVAC organization has to work difficult to pull air through a clogged filter. This continuous strain on the unit can cause it to interruption, causing you to pay for expensive repairs or replacements.

How to Change Your Air Filter

Yous should ideally modify your air filter every iii months, however, there are sure factors to consider when determining when to change out an old filter.

Type of air filter—Some air filters are more than effective than others. Lower quality fiberglass filters are more affordable, but they don't last long and need to be changed every month. Pleated air filters are high-quality filters that are very effective in trapping particles and last up to 90 days.
Pets—If you own pets, alter your filters every two months to keep your air clean.
Allergies—If you suffer from allergies, even the smallest amount of grit or droppings in the air can trigger a reaction. To ensure your system is pumping only clean air, change your filters about every 50 days.
Children—If you have immature children in the home, keep the indoor air quality high by replacing your air filters every two months.
Home utilize—Homes that use their HVAC organisation daily need more frequent air filter replacements than a vacation home that doesn't filter air regularly. If your habitation's heating and cooling organisation only run a few times a year, replace the air filters every six to 12 months.

While these factors affect the frequency of air filter replacement, you should visually inspect your filter every month to check for excess particle buildup. If the dirty air filter is completely layered with dust and debris, information technology'due south a good idea to change the filter even if it hasn't reached the end of its recommended lifespan.

How to Change Your Filter

Hither's how to modify your air filter when information technology's time for a replacement.

Purchase the right size filter—To find the size of your filter, check the old filter, which should have the size printed on one of its sides. If you tin't locate the size of the quondam filter, use a measuring tape to cheque its length, width, and depth.
Plow off your unit of measurement—Flip the switch on your thermostat to turn off the unit, or turn your organisation completely off at the excursion breaker.
Locate the filter—Your air filter is located in i of two places: a return duct or the air handler located in an cranium, basement, or utility closet.
Remove the grille or cover to the air filter—If your air filter is located in the system's air handler, open the access console. This may require a screwdriver to remove the pocket-sized screws securing information technology. If your filter is in the return duct, flip the latches that concord the grille and remove it.
Remove the old filter and insert the new one—Have the old filter from its place, advisedly inspecting how it was situated within the cover or grille. Take the new filter and place it inside, making certain the airflow arrows are pointed into the unit of measurement.
Supercede the cover and turn your organization on—After replacing the filter, turn your system back on to ensure the filter is situated correctly and the air conditioner is running smoothly.