How often should you change your HVAC filters?

A straightforward but essential maintenance activity that has a big influence on the effectiveness of your system and the indoor air quality in your house is changing the HVAC filters. Several factors, such as the kind of filter, your living situation, and how you use your HVAC system in Bristol, determine how often you should replace your filter.

Detailed Factors Influencing HVAC Filter Change Frequency:

• Type of Filter:

1. 1. • Fiberglass Filters: These are the least expensive and have a shorter lifespan. They typically need to be changed every 30 to 60 days.
      • Pleated Filters: Made from higher-quality materials, these filters can last 90 to 120 days under normal conditions. They are better at trapping dust, pollen, and pet dander.
      • Electrostatic Filters: It is possible to clean and reinstall these reusable filters. They require cleaning every one to three months and are excellent at capturing tiny particles.
      • HEPA Filters: Capturing up to 99.97% of airborne particles, HEPA filters are used in both household and business settings. Depending on usage, they may last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, making them perfect for homes with allergy sufferers.

• Air Quality:

1. 1. • Homes in areas with high pollution, such as near busy roads or industrial areas, might require more frequent filter changes.
      • Seasonal factors like pollen in spring or wildfire smoke can also necessitate more frequent replacements.

• System Usage:

1. 1. • If your HVAC system operates continuously due to extreme temperatures, the filter will need to be changed more frequently.
      • The more your system runs, the more air (and potentially airborne particles) it processes, which can clog filters quickly.

• Household Conditions:

1. • Homes with pets often have more hair and dander in the air, requiring more frequent filter changes.
   • Smoking indoors can significantly reduce air quality, necessitating more frequent filter replacements.
   • Family members with allergies or respiratory conditions may benefit from more frequent changes to ensure cleaner indoor air.

Recommended Maintenance Schedule:

• Light Use in Clean Environments: Change basic fiberglass filters every 90 days; pleated filters every 120 days.
• Average Home Use: Change filters every 60 days for fiberglass, and every 90 days for pleated.
• High Usage or Poor Air Conditions: Consider monthly changes, especially if you have pets, smokers, or live in a high-pollen or dusty area.

Signs It\’s Time to Change Your Filter:

• Unusual noise from the HVAC unit: A clogged filter can cause strain on your system, resulting in unusual noises.
• Reduced airflow: Less air flowing through vents could indicate a clogged filter.
• Dust accumulation near vents: Visible dust or dirt around vents can suggest the filter is not trapping particles effectively.

Why Regular Changes Matter:

• Energy Economy: When your HVAC system runs at its best, it uses less energy, which lowers your energy costs. This is made possible by a clean filter.
• Prolonged System Life: Frequently changing filters keep dust and debris from accumulating, which can cause costly repairs or even early system failure.
• Better Air Quality: People with allergies or respiratory disorders need to get rid of allergens and pollutants from the air by replacing their filters regularly.

See experts like those at Exact Temp for guidance unique to your situation, such as selecting the appropriate filter type and comprehending the effects on local air quality. They can offer advice on the finest tools and methods for preserving your HVAC filters and raising the quality of the air in your house.