Many ask “How often to change HVAC filter?”. Unlike car maintenance, your HVAC air filter replacement doesn’t follow a unique schedule. It’s hard to say “do it every 3 months” in the same way one would take a car back to the dealership every 10,000 miles. The air quality provided by an HVAC unit is influenced by a myriad of factors, such as pollution in the area, pets, the number of people in the house, and even how many of them are chronic allergy sufferers.
New homeowners in particular may find it puzzling to work out a schedule that suits their specific needs. These five signs should help you gauge when it’s time to change your air filter.
5 Signs It’s Time to Change Your Air Filter
Contents
As mentioned above, replacing your HVAC air filter depends on a variety of factors. Each home is different. Therefore, the manufacturer recommendations may or may not apply to your home specifically. The best way to know when to change your HVAC air filter is by checking your filter monthly. Replace it if it looks dirty. In the meantime, be sure to look for the following signs.
Your HVAC Unit Is Overheating
A common sign of clogged or excessively dirty air filters is overheating. If the back of the unit starts getting too hot or it starts expelling hot air, it means its replacement is past due.
Surfaces Near The Heating & Cooling Vent Get Dusty
A good indicator of old, dirty air filters can be found by comparing the surfaces immediately next to the vent to other surface areas. If that section of the carpet seems visibly dusty or coated in an ash-like substance, then it’s time to change your air filter.
If The Heating & Air Conditioning Unit Fails The White Sheet Test
The white sheet test is a very simple, yet safe DIY way to determine how clean your air filter is. You should perform it periodically. This test involves hanging a white sheet 5 to 8 inches away from the vent for at least an hour. The grayer the sheet becomes, the dirtier the air filter is.
If Allergy Symptoms Spike
As mentioned before, people who suffer from allergies often need to change their filters more frequently. Fresh, new filters can save allergy sufferers a lot of trouble during the spike of pollen season. Conversely, if peak pollen season has passed already, but someone begins to sniffle every time they enter the living room, then it’s time to get rid of all the pollen and dust, and replace the air filter.
If The Home Heating & Cooling Bill Goes Up
This may be slightly harder to detect since changes in the electricity bill tend to creep up slowly and can be easily attributed to other home appliances. It may be necessary to compare electricity bills over a three month period. However, if your heating and cooling costs suddenly increase without a reasonable explanation, be sure to check your HVAC filter. A clogged, dirty filter can cause your system to work harder than it needs to. Naturally, this will reflect on your monthly energy costs.
Conclusion
Keeping air filters clean should be seen as an investment rather than an expense. Not only do they save money and energy directly, but they also impact your family’s health. If you are unsure about whether it’s time to change your air filter, have our team of experienced, certified HVAC technicians take a look at it.
Contact PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For All Your HVAC Needs
PFO Heating & Air Conditioning offers superior heating and cooling services in the Greater Princeton, NJ area. Our technicians have the proper training and certifications to conduct HVAC services, such as HVAC repairs, tune-ups, installations, and more. All of our friendly techs have the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide prompt and correct HVAC services.
Our company has affordable and the most competitive heating and cooling service prices in the area. Our maintenance services will help improve your home comfort and energy efficiency. At the same time, it will also help reduce your monthly utility costs. We can also assist you when you need to replace your current system. Our techs will recommend the most suitable make and model that will fit your needs and budget. We guarantee all of our work to ensure your satisfaction. To schedule a service appointment, do not hesitate to call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
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