When you’re renting your place, it’s likely that your landlord or property manager took care of your heating and cooling needs. However, when you own your home, you’ll be responsible for maintaining your HVAC system yourself. It can be difficult to know what that entails if you don’t have any experience. The good news is it’s easier than ever to find information online that will teach you what you need to know. Filter changes are one aspect of HVAC maintenance that can be confusing, as there’s no one size fits all rule on how often your system needs a new one. If you want to learn more, keep reading to find out how often you should change your air filter.
How often should you change your filter?
If you’re a homeowner, you may be wondering, how often should you change your air filter? There is no one definitive answer to the question of how often you should change your air filter. How often you should change your air filter depends on a variety of factors, including the type of filter you have, the size of your home, and the number of people living in your home. However, as a general rule, you should change your air filter at least every three months. Many homeowners prefer to change theirs on a monthly basis in order to ensure peak performance of their HVAC system.
Pet owners may need more frequent filter changes, as pet hair and dander can clog the filter more quickly. If you have allergies, you may also need to change the filter more often. You’re more likely to be sensitive to the presence of allergens in the air. Changing the filter more consistently could also be required for those in larger homes. Humid climates can also impact the lifespan of your filter. Humidity can cause the filter to deteriorate, fill with debris, and become clogged.
It’s a good idea for you to spend some time learning about air filters so you can purchase the right air filter for your specific HVAC system. The best type of air filter for your home depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you have a large home or a lot of people living in it, you may need a filter that can handle a lot of air flow. If you have allergies or pets, you may want to consider a filter with a higher MERV rating. Talk to your HVAC technician to find the right air filter for your home. They can also give you advice on how often you should change the filter, based on the climate in your area and inside your house.
Why is changing your filter so important?
A dirty air filter can let dust, dirt, and other debris into your air ducts and throughout your home. This can cause respiratory issues for people with allergies or asthma, and can also lead to the growth of mold and bacteria. While air quality has improved in recent years, poor indoor air quality continues to create many health risks. Air pollution can cause or exacerbate a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and stroke. Children, the elderly, and people with asthma or other respiratory illnesses are particularly at risk.
Additionally, dirty air filters can make your air conditioner work harder to keep your home cool, which can lead to higher energy bills. If you want to reduce your energy costs, the most effective thing to do is upgrade to a smart thermostat. They are programmable, so you can set them to turn off or down when you’re not home. Smart thermostats can also learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly, meaning they’ll use the least amount of energy necessary to maintain your preferred temperature at home.
You need to change your air filter on a regular basis to keep your home’s air clean and fresh. A dirty air filter can cause a number of problems, including decreased air flow, decreased system performance, and increased energy costs. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to avoid these issues entirely. Considering how much poor indoor air quality can affect your family’s health and safety, you should make sure you’re always proactive about keeping your HVAC system in good working order.
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