How Often Should The Air Filter Be Changed

Without a clean air filter, your HVAC unit works harder and is prone to more breakdowns. Compared to other DIY domicile comeback projects, changing air filters is a quick and painless process that can be done in less than an hour. Nonetheless, many homeowners are unaware of how ofttimes air filters need to be replaced, leaving their organization vulnerable to damage. Continue reading to learn when and how to alter your air filter.

Why Irresolute Your Filter Is Important

Air filters trap pet hair, dust, and other irritating particles so that your air-conditioning system delivers fresh, clean air back into your home. Somewhen, the filter traps so much dust and debris that air tin can't properly filter or travel to the HVAC unit, leading to:

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

How to Change Your Air Filter

You should ideally change your air filter every three months, however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to alter out an old filter.

• Type of air filter—Some air filters are more effective than others. Lower quality fiberglass filters are more affordable, but they don't concluding long and demand to be changed every calendar month. Pleated air filters are high-quality filters that are very constructive in trapping particles and last upwardly to ninety days.
• Pets—If y'all own pets, change your filters every two months to go along your air clean.
• Allergies—If you endure from allergies, even the smallest amount of dust or droppings in the air can trigger a reaction. To ensure your system is pumping only clean air, change your filters about every l days.
• Children—If you take young children in the home, keep the indoor air quality high by replacing your air filters every two months.
• Home use—Homes that use their HVAC organization daily need more frequent air filter replacements than a holiday abode that doesn't filter air regularly. If your abode'south heating and cooling system just run a few times a twelvemonth, supersede the air filters every six to 12 months.

While these factors impact the frequency of air filter replacement, you lot should visually inspect your filter every month to bank check for excess particle buildup. If the dirty air filter is completely layered with dust and debris, it's a adept thought to change the filter even if it hasn't reached the end of its recommended lifespan.

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How to Change Your Filter

Here's how to change your air filter when it's time for a replacement.

1. Purchase the right size filter—To notice the size of your filter, check the old filter, which should have the size printed on one of its sides. If y'all can't locate the size of the erstwhile filter, use a measuring tape to check its length, width, and depth.
2. Plow off your unit—Flip the switch on your thermostat to turn off the unit, or turn your arrangement completely off at the circuit breaker.
3. Locate the filter—Your air filter is located in 1 of two places: a return duct or the air handler located in an attic, basement, or utility closet.
4. Remove the grille or cover to the air filter—If your air filter is located in the system's air handler, open the access panel. This may require a screwdriver to remove the small screws securing it. If your filter is in the render duct, flip the latches that hold the grille and remove it.
5. Remove the erstwhile filter and insert the new 1—Take the quondam filter from its place, carefully inspecting how it was situated inside the cover or grille. Take the new filter and identify it within, making sure the airflow arrows are pointed into the unit.
6. Supplant the encompass and turn your system on—Afterward replacing the filter, plough your arrangement back on to ensure the filter is situated correctly and the air conditioner is running smoothly.

Source: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/21314527/how-often-to-change-air-filter

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