Routine Filter Changes for HVAC Longevity
Changing the filter in your Belleville, IL HVAC system ensures optimal airflow and protects your heating and cooling equipment from wear and tear. A clean filter can also support healthy indoor air quality, save you money on your monthly energy bills, and reduce the need for repairs. Our team at BELOMAN can help you come up with an appropriate schedule for changing your filter.
Why Are HVAC Filters Important?
The filter in your HVAC system can trap various types of particulate matter. This includes dust, dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. Preventing these contaminants from entering your HVAC system protects sensitive interior components. If you allow a clogged filter to remain in place, this can force your system to work harder to move conditioned air. This increases energy use and can shorten the life expectancy of your equipment. You may also experience frequent issues with your blower motor, compressor, or heat exchanger. Changing your filter is simple but provides exceptional protection for your HVAC system’s integrity.
A clogged filter can disrupt airflow through your HVAC system. Coils can freeze inside the unit, or your motor can overheat. You may notice your monthly utility bills rising. It’s also possible for your system to fail completely. If this occurs in the middle of extreme weather, it’s a major inconvenience and safety risk. Scheduling an emergency repair can be very expensive. It makes sense to take a few minutes every so often to replace your filter instead.
Protecting Your Indoor Air Quality
A fresh filter can remove allergens that cause symptoms like sneezing and coughing. People who have asthma or other chronic respiratory issues also benefit from routine filter changes. Maintaining a proper filter replacement schedule is ideal in homes with pets or smokers. Even activities like cooking and cleaning can impact indoor air quality.
If you have whole-home filtration equipment installed on your HVAC system, make sure you’re changing or cleaning those filters periodically as well. This helps with the removal of more contaminants, further protecting your HVAC system and air quality.
Consider the type of filter you’re using. Most filters come with a MERV rating, which stands for minimum-efficiency reporting value. The higher the MERV rating, the more restrictive and effective a filter may be. However, don’t go above a MERV rating of 12 in a residential structure. Anything higher than 12 would result in airflow restrictions.
Dirty HVAC filters can trap moisture and organic material, making them an optimal location for mold growth. These spores can circulate into your home but also impact the interior components of your HVAC system. Keep filters clean and maintain relative humidity inside your home that is between 30% and 50%. If you deal with high levels of humidity, use a whole-home dehumidifier to remove moisture. A whole-home humidifier can add moisture back into your air.
How Often Should I Change Filters?
HVAC filters should be replaced approximately once every 30 to 90 days. The exact time frame depends on several factors. For instance, manufacturers usually provide a recommendation for replacement frequency. Regardless of the recommended time frame, inspect your filter every 30 days to see if it appears dirty. Look for large clumps of debris. If you hold the filter up to the light, you should be able to see through it somewhat.
Consider replacing your filter more frequently if you have pets in the home, people smoke in your residence, or you suffer from allergies. Higher efficiency filters often last longer, but you should still inspect them. You can work with our team to come up with a practical schedule for replacement.
There are washable filters available that don’t require replacement. Instead, you’ll need to wash the filter thoroughly and allow it to fully dry. People who prioritize indoor air quality often find it beneficial to replace their filter completely. Washable versions can be difficult to get completely clean.
Changing the filter in your HVAC system is a low-effort maintenance task. It goes a long way toward protecting your air quality and heating and cooling equipment. If you are concerned with the quality of your indoor air or would like to take steps to protect your HVAC system, our team at BELOMAN can help. We offer guidance, routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and new equipment installation. This includes whole-home filtration and humidity-controlling devices. Contact us at BELOMAN today in Belleville for more information.
