Here at Comfort 360, we know that part of keeping an HVAC system running smoothly is maintenance. We can help you out with much of that, but there are actually some things that you can do on your own to ensure that your heating and air conditioning are working properly all season long. One of those tasks that you can handle is changing out or cleaning your air filter. As time passes, this component has a harder time doing its job as well as it should. It’s important to get a new one or clean your current one, which can help keep your HVAC system in top shape.
What Does My Air Filter Do?
What your air filter does should seem obvious. It filters out impurities and makes sure that they’re not being pumped through your house. When your heat or air conditioning turns on, it begins to blast warm or cold air through your vents. You don’t want potentially harmful particles to be a part of the air circulating in your home.
In recent years, studies have shown that pollutants inside your home can be just as damaging as pollution outside. That’s why indoor air quality is so important. By taking care of this simple task, you can ensure that the air inside of your home isn’t getting your family sick or triggering allergies.
Having a clean air filter also brings some other benefits. A clean air filter makes it so that your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to do its job. That means that neglecting it can result in you paying more on your utility bills. Cleaning or replacing your air filter is an easy way to save money and improve your air quality.
When to Clean It
When you should change out or clean your air filter can vary. Some people try to change it once per season. It’s especially wise to make sure that your air filter is in top shape before the winter and summer months, where your HVAC system is working the hardest. Others change or clean their filter even more frequently, like once per month. That may not be necessary for all homes, but it really can’t hurt.
You can also evaluate your air filtration needs and see if you’ve noticed a difference in your indoor air quality. If you already changed your filter for the season but you notice that the air inside your home isn’t as fresh, it might be in need of a cleaning. You could notice that your allergies are acting up or that people are getting sick more often.
Other factors can also affect how often you need to change or clean your filter. The more people in your house, the more dust and dirt they could kick up. If you have pets, you may have to worry about dander and fur. In these cases, you’ll want to clean your filter more often.
Really though, the best possible rule of thumb is to change or clean your filter when it gets dirty. Keep an eye on it, and keep your HVAC system in top shape all season long!