As long as it effectively delivers cool, comfortable air during Tallahassee’s hot and humid summer months, a homeowner’s HVAC system is usually out of sight and out of mind. As such, homeowners tend to forget the need for regular HVAC air filter replacement. This is essential for ensuring efficient air conditioning.
If this describes you, and you’re not even sure when you last replaced the air filter, Tallahassee’s Air Control Heating and Cooling has some advice for you about the frequency of air filter replacement and other things you should know about filters. With over five decades of providing HVAC service in the north-central Florida area, we’ve replaced 10s of thousands of filters as part of our maintenance and repairs. However, we believe homeowners should know how to replace their own filters. They sometimes need replacing between regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance sessions.
The Dual Purpose of HVAC Air Filters
Most people believe that HVAC system filtration is designed to help protect human (and pet) health by cleaning the air of dirt, dust, dander, and other contaminants as part of the air “conditioning.” And while the air filter certainly improves indoor air quality, its primary purpose is to protect the HVAC system equipment, which contaminates can compromise. Absent a filter located between the blower and return air duct, contaminants build up and interfere with the operational efficiency of the system’s air handler and other components, forcing the system to work hard and parts to wear out faster.
HVAC Air Filter Replacement Benefits
Regular air filter replacement is essential for maintaining your HVAC system’s operational efficiency and supporting a robust and long lifespan. Other benefits of regular air filter replacement include:
- Reduces the amount of dust, pollen, dander, mold spores, and other contaminants circulating in indoor air, which helps prevent asthma, allergies, headaches, and other health conditions affected by poor air quality.
- Helps control airborne dust, which minimizes surface dust accumulation and the need to clean it.
- HVAC systems don’t have to work as hard to pull air through clean filters, which helps improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.
- Helps protect HVAC system components, which can limit the need for potential repairs.
Factors Affecting Frequency of HVAC Air Filter Replacement
HVAC system instructions will recommend how often you should change the air filter. So will the instructions from the filter’s manufacturer. In general, Tallahassee-area homeowners should replace their HVAC system air filters every three months. You should also inspect the filter monthly during heavy usage seasons to ensure it does not clog up with contaminants. Other factors that may affect the frequency of filter replacement include:
- Heavy HVAC system usage may necessitate more frequent replacement.
- Filter MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating can affect replacement frequency. The better filtration properties of higher MERV-rated filters trap more contaminants but clog up more quickly.
- Householders afflicted with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions benefit from more frequent air filter replacement.
- Homes with pets typically require more frequent air filter replacement, as pet hair and dander can clog filters more quickly.
- The type and quality of the air filter can influence replacement timing.
Signs That It’s Time for An Air Filter Replacement
If you forget to periodically inspect your air filter and don’t know when it was last replaced, it’s probably time to do so. Otherwise, your HVAC system can indicate that it might be time for an air filter replacement via the following signs:
- The filter is coated with dust, dirt, clumps of air, and other debris.
- The symptoms of a householder with respiratory issues worsen.
- You see a noticeable accumulation of dust around vents.
- Energy bills are trending upward despite an increase in HVAC usage.
- You notice reduced airflow, decreased cooling, or uneven cooling.
Assess Your Air Filter Needs with Air Control Heating and Cooling
To take any guesswork out of air filter replacement, turn to Air Control Heating and Cooling. We’ll assess your home and HVAC system to determine frequency and filtration type. To ensure peak HVAC system operational performance and efficiency, consider joining our Air Control Club. Our cost-effective HVAC inspection and preventative maintenance program provides members with numerous benefits to optimize your HVAC system’s operational efficiency and lifespan.
Air Control Heating and Cooling provides top-tier HVAC maintenance, repairs, installation, and equipment sales to Tallahassee, Havana, Quincy, Monticello, and Crawfordville area customers. For the best in HVAC service, contact us today at (850) 562-1234.