How Often Should I Clean and/or Replace My Air Filters?

Many people are unsure how and how often they should clean and/or replace the air filters in their homes. So, if the thought of how often you should clean or change your home air conditioning (AC) filters has ever crossed your mind, this article is just for you! In Phoenix, Arizona, changing your HVAC system’s air filters is a must. Guarantee that clean air flows throughout your home at all times! Below, we’ll go over why it’s important to change your air filter and how to go about it.

Because air filters are only supposed to last a certain period of time (or even less), you should keep track of the period that you install them. Not replacing your filter in a timely manner could have negative consequences for your HVAC equipment and your comfort in general. If it goes on for too long, filters can overload and come crashing down. If your filter isn’t working properly, it might harm your health and cause breathing problems, especially for people who suffer from asthma, or some sort of allergy. Especially if you have small children in the house, maintaining a clean airflow throughout the house is of essence. Children are also one of the most vulnerable groups to air pollution as their organs are still developing (1).

You should therefore, ideally change your air filter every three months. However, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change out an old filter. Even though the dirty air filter has not yet approached the end of its lifespan, replacing it if it’s fully covered in dust and debris is a smart idea.

Why replace the air filters in my house?

Allergies

Even the tiniest quantity of dust or dirt in the air might cause a reaction if you have allergies. This can affect individual that suffer from asthma, hay fever, and allergies that are related to animals (2). When you have allergies or respiratory issues it is essential to replace your filters every 50 days to guarantee that your equipment is only circulating clean air.

Keep your HVAC system healthy

Excess dust that builds up in your air filters can cause unnecessary wear and tear to your HVAC system. Changing the filter in a timely manner could prevent your equipment from incurring unnecessary damage. New equipment is quite an investment which is why maintaining is better than replacing.

Save money

When your HVAC system is congested with dust it will have to work harder to push clean air throughout the house. The harder the system has to work, the higher its energy consumption will be. Nobody is waiting for a higher electricity bill, that is why it is important to keep the air filters clean to make the equipment run efficiently.

Of course, it is important to understand what factors affect the cleanliness of your air filters and what can speed up the congestion of your system.

What affects the air quality in my house?

Type of air filter

Some air filters work better than others. While these variables influence how often you should change your ac unit, you should inspect it once a month for excessive particle buildup.

Air filter changes are more frequent in homes that utilize their HVAC system on a daily basis rather than in vacation homes that don’t filter air on a regular basis. Change the air filters every six to twelve months if your apartment’s air – conditioning system is only used a few times throughout the year.

The presence of pets

We all love our furry friends, however, they do affect the air quality in your house. Aside from the constant shedding throughout the year, pets carry pollen, dust and dander into your home which affect the air quality in your home. Change your filters every two months if you have pets to keep your air clean.

Outdoor air pollution

In Phoenix the outdoor air pollution is more severe than other areas in the US. Reducing the pollution brought into the home in these polluted areas is crucial. Being in possession of a high performing HVAC system that is well maintained can improve the air quality in your home.

Keeping the air clean by changing out the air filters at home

If you’re wondering once more,  how do I know how often should I clean and/or replace air filters in my unit? Here’s our final take on the subject.

While these above factors influence how often you should replace your air filter, you should physically inspect your filter once a month to look for excessive particle build and replace it at a minimum every 3 months. Even if the unclean air filter hasn’t reached the end of its intended lifespan, it’s a good idea to replace it if it’s covered in dust and debris.

Are you in the Phoenix, Arizona area, and you’re still unsure on how to go about changing your air filters? Reach out to us today, we’ll be glad to help!

“Today I got the opportunity to get my house air conditioner repair by one if not the best company in the Phoenix area… Victor with Legendary Energy LLC did a terrific job getting my AC unit up and running.”

AL
Phoenix, AZ