We all want clean, healthy indoor air in our homes and to prolong the health of our HVAC system. This often means regularly replacing air filters. However, it can get confusing between all the different HVAC systems.
Why Change Air Filters?
Changing air filters does more than just keep your home’s air clean. It also prolongs the life of the system, improves energy efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and helps minimize repair frequency.
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making your HVAC system work harder and reduces the proper air flow across the indoor coils which affects the heat transfer. This uses more energy and may lead to higher energy bills.
Every year, a clogged air filter is the number 1 reason for frozen coils. Not only does this prevent the system from working properly, the added strain can cause extra wear on the compressor and other components leading to premature breakdowns. Taking a few minutes to regularly change your filter can save you a lot of money and time being uncomfortable while you wait for your coils to thaw.
Changing Air Filters in Your HVAC System
Most homes use a central HVAC system. This system has a main air filter that usually sits in a filter compartment near the air handler, blower, or return air duct.
Locating and Accessing the Filter
Depending on the style of system you have, your filter will either be located in a drop down panel return in your ceiling or at the base of a vertically mounted air handler, which is usually located in a closet, garage, or other mechanical room. If your filter is in the return on your ceiling, be sure to use care when getting on a ladder to replace the filter. If getting on a ladder is not for you, call us and we will be there to help you out.
Choosing the Right Filter
Filters come in various sizes and types including fiberglass, pleated, and electrostatic. Be sure to purchase the correct size to ensure proper fitting.
Select the air filter that matches the needs of your household. Understand the filter’s MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating; the higher MERV ratings typically trap smaller particles, such as bacteria, mildew, and pollen. However, they also affect the airflow across your indoor coils. Close attention needs to be given to these thicker filters as they get dirty, even less air flow is allowed and the faster your coils will freeze.
Installation
Remove the old filter by dropping the return door or opening the filter compartment door. Install the new filter into the filter slot, ensuring it fits snugly. Ensure the airflow direction arrows on the filter frame point in the correct direction. This should match the previously installed air filter. Pro tip: having the indoor fan set to “ON” while changing the filters in ceiling returns will help keep the new filter in place while closing the panel door back up.
Airflow direction is typically towards the blower or ductwork.
You may also want to reset the electronic filter maintenance reminder on your thermostat.
Changing Air Filters in Window AC Units
Window AC units have filters that clean the air pulled into the room. Cleaning or replacing these often improves performance.
Many window air conditioners now have reusable and washable filters. Replacing air filters is easy for most units.
Cleaning Reusable Filters
With the unit off, slide out the filter. Vacuum or wipe off any dust, then rinse it gently in lukewarm water.
Avoid too much scrubbing to maintain the filter’s form. Ensure the filter is completely dry before re-installing.
Doing this routinely will maximize airflow efficiency and minimize repairs and/or frozen coils.
How Often Should You Be Changing Air Filters?
Several factors affect how often you need to change air filters.
| Filter Location | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| HVAC System | Monthly; possibly up to 3 months depending on how clean the filter is when checked monthly. System usage is a major factor in this as well. Less usage requires less filter replacements, while more usage may require more replacements. |
| Mini Spilits | Monthly; possibly up to 3 months depending on how clean the filter is when checked monthly. System usage is a major factor in this as well. Less usage requires less filter replacements, while more usage may require more replacements. |
Several factors affect how often you need to change air filters, and the information in the table is only a guideline.
More frequent air filter changes may be necessary based on pets, allergies, or if you smoke indoors. In high allergen seasons, replace filters regularly to maintain the cleanest air possible in your home.
Consider how often your unit operates and whether there has been wildfire smoke as additional considerations. Check filters frequently, particularly when smoke is prevalent. The thickness of the filter frame can impact how often it needs to be changed; those of greater thickness generally allow for longer use.
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Conclusion
Changing air filters isn’t glamorous, but it’s important. While regularly changing air filters in your HVAC system maintains clean airflow for a healthy home, it also contributes to optimal system functionality and can extend the lifespan of the unit.
FAQs
Changing air filters is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality, ensuring efficient HVAC system performance, and preventing higher energy bills. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, causing the system to overheat or freeze, and circulate dust and allergens back into your home.
Monthly; possibly up to 3 months depending on how clean the filter is when checked monthly. System usage is a major factor in this as well. Less usage requires less filter replacements, while more usage may require more replacements.
Depending on the style of system you have, your filter will either be located in a drop down panel return in your ceiling or at the base of a vertically mounted air handler, which is usually located in a closet, garage, or other mechanical room.
When selecting a new air filter, consider the size, type (fiberglass, pleated, electrostatic), and the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. A higher MERV rating indicates better filtration of smaller particles like bacteria and pollen.
Many mini split units have reusable and washable filters. To clean them, vacuum off dust and rinse gently with lukewarm water. Ensure they are completely dry before reinstalling.
Monthly; possibly up to 3 months depending on how clean the filter is when checked monthly. System usage is a major factor in this as well. Less usage requires less filter replacements, while more usage may require more replacements.
Frequency of air filter changes depends on factors like filter type, usage level, presence of pets, smoking indoors, allergies, and environmental conditions like wildfire smoke.
Inspect your filters regularly for visible dirt or dust build-up. A noticeable drop in airflow or an increase in energy bills may also indicate that a filter change is needed.
Failing to change air filters regularly can lead to decreased indoor air quality, increased energy consumption, potential system damage due to overheating or freezing, and circulation of dust and allergens within the home.
