HVAC systems keep Arizona homes comfortable, but they require regular upkeep in order to run smoothly. One of the most common maintenance tasks for any HVAC system is to regularly replace the air filter. How often do you need to change the air filter and how do you know when it’s time to replace this important component?
Learn what you need to know about how often to change your air filter, signs it needs replacement, and how the 1st Choice Mechanical team can provide Phoenix area homeowners with reliable HVAC solutions.
Purpose of Air Filters
Your HVAC system’s job is to supply your home with warm or cool air to maintain a comfortable temperature. The air filter cleans the air as it circulates through your home and HVAC unit, protecting your system from getting clogged with dust and debris. A clean air filter also helps improve the air quality inside the home by removing allergens like pollen, making the air safer and more comfortable.
Factors Affecting Air Filter Lifespan
How often should you change your HVAC filter? Several factors affect your air filter’s useful lifespan.
Allergies or asthma
If you or anyone in your home has respiratory issues, it’s recommended to change your air filters more regularly — approximately every six weeks. Clean filters improve indoor air quality, making the home more comfortable for asthma and allergy sufferers.
Pets in the home
If you have pets at home, consider changing your filters every two months or so. Dander and hair from cats and dogs can quickly build up in your HVAC filters, which lowers air quality, introduces contaminants to your system, and makes your home uncomfortable for those with a pet allergy. Change the filter as winter turns to spring and as summer turns to fall, when pets do most of their shedding.
Frequent or constant HVAC use
Depending on your local climate, you may need to run your HVAC system almost constantly to stay comfortable at home. While air filters in an infrequently used unit can last up to a year, they can wear out in just six weeks if your unit is running almost all the time.
Poor air quality
Poor air quality in smoggy, smoky, or hazy areas can cause your filters to become ineffective sooner, meaning you’ll have to replace them more frequently.
Home size
An HVAC unit in a smaller home needs to pump less air into the structure. If you have a larger home, more air needs to pass through the unit and its filter in order to affect the interior temperature. This means more frequent filter replacements.
Recommended Air Filter Replacement Intervals
How often to change an HVAC filter? The answer varies depending on the type of filter you have and whether you’re dealing with any of the factors listed above. The general guidelines for air filter replacements are as follows:
- One month (30 days) for cheaper, fiberglass filters, areas with poor air quality, or homes with pets.
- Three months (90 days) for standard air filters in homes with normal air quality and pollutant levels.
- Six months (180 days) for higher-end, pleated air filters and homes with good air quality.
Signs That Your Air Filter Needs Replacement
How do you know when it’s time to replace your air filter? Look out for these common signs:
- Layers of dust and dirt fully covering the filter material
- Musty odors
- Reduced airflow throughout the home
- Visible dust buildup around HVAC vents
- Increased allergy and asthma symptoms
- Inexplicably high energy bills
Benefits of Regular Air Filter Maintenance
Air filter maintenance helps keep your HVAC system running in top shape. A clean, well-functioning filter prevents dust, pollen, and other particulates from entering your system. Regular air filter maintenance also protects the HVAC system, extends its service life, and saves you money on repairs or replacement in the future.
Too many particulates in the system can lead to reduced efficiency, weakening your HVAC airflow and causing hot or cold spots around the house. Your system is forced to work harder, consuming more energy and costing you more on utility bills. Frequent filter replacement helps you avoid these costly and frustrating issues.
How To Properly Replace Air Filters
Replacing an air filter is a fairly simple task compared to other AC maintenance jobs. Follow these steps to replace your air filter:
- Step one: Shut off the power to the system from the thermostat, the breaker box, or the switch near the unit.
- Step two: Find your air filter(s). Some units may have multiple filters throughout the home.
- Step three: Ensure you have the correct size of replacement filter. Before removing the old filter, make a note of its position so you can place the new filter the same way.
- Step four: Slide the old filter out of its housing, then insert the new filter, making sure any direction arrows are pointing the correct way.
- Step five: Restore power and turn your HVAC back on.
Creating a Maintenance Schedule
Filter replacement is one of the most common types of HVAC maintenance your system needs. However, it’s equally important to have your entire system regularly maintained. Get your HVAC system inspected at least once a year, or twice a year if you use it often in both summer and winter. Have the unit inspected and maintained before you begin using it for the season.
Contact the Team at 1st Choice Mechanical to Learn About Regular HVAC Maintenance
If you want to take the guesswork out of HVAC maintenance, the team at 1st Choice Mechanical is here to help. We’re available to assist you with a comprehensive range of HVAC services, including air filter replacement. Contact us to learn why we’re a top HVAC contractor in the greater Phoenix area.