Have you noticed that dust settles quickly on surfaces throughout your home? This is a reminder that maintaining good indoor air quality is important to overall cleanliness. Your HVAC filters can only hold so much dust, allergens, and other airborne particles before becoming ineffective.
It's crucial that your AC system has clean filters to help it operate efficiently. But when should you replace your HVAC filters in spring? We’ll explain the importance of clean air filters, the different types of filters, and how often you should replace them.
Importance of Clean Filters
Why does changing your home air filters matter? Clogged or dirty air filters in spring can cause your air conditioner to be less efficient, increase wear and tear, and drive up energy costs. It’s best to proactively change your air filters to maintain good indoor air quality.
Ensure proper airflow
Clean air filters allow your HVAC system to maintain proper airflow. When air filters are clogged or dirty, they restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder than necessary. Airflow restriction reduces efficiency, increases wear and tear on internal components, and can increase energy costs over time.
Decrease indoor air quality issues
Air filters work to trap allergens, dust, dirt, and other airborne particles to improve indoor air quality. Eventually, air filters get full of these airborne particles and cannot collect anymore. You can prevent allergens and dust from circulating throughout your home by regularly changing your air filters.
Keep energy bills stable
Dirty air filters can significantly reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency. When you have clogged air filters restricting airflow, your AC may run longer to reach and maintain the desired temperature. This extra work can lead to higher monthly energy costs.
Types of Filters
There are several common types of air filters you can use for your HVAC system.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass air filters are very common and an extremely affordable option. They are excellent at capturing larger particles like dust and lint but aren’t as good at trapping smaller allergens.
This type of air filter should be replaced every 30 days, since they fill up quickly and can restrict airflow when dirty.
Pleated filters
Pleated filters use folded material that increases the surface area for trapping airborne particles. They allow solid airflow but are better than fiberglass filters at trapping dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Depending on the pleated filter you choose, most should be replaced every 60 to 90 days. Homes with pets that shed or allergy sufferers may want to change the filter every 45 days.
HEPA Filters
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are designed to provide the highest level of filtration. They are effective at capturing tiny airborne particles, such as mold spores, bacteria, and pollen. It’s important to note that not all residential HVAC systems can handle the airflow resistance of HEPA filters.
HEPA filters should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on system usage.
Electrostatic
Electrostatic air filters attract and capture dust, pollen, and other allergens using electricity. They typically come in washable or disposable variants.
Disposable electrostatic filters should be replaced every 60 to 90 days. The washable versions should be cleaned and dried about once a month.
When to Replace During Spring
It’s best practice to replace your air filters during the spring in preparation for using your air conditioner. When warm weather starts, generally in March or April, it’s the perfect time to replace your filters. This way, your AC can operate efficiently all season long.
How Often Should Filters Be Changed?
How often you change your air filters depends on circumstances, including pets, whether your home has smokers, climate, allergy issues, and the type of filter you use.
Let’s delve into these factors a little bit deeper:
- Pets: If you have several pets, especially ones that shed, your air filters may get clogged or dirty faster than homes without pets. Homes with multiple pets may need to replace filters more frequently to prevent buildup.
- Smokers: Homes with smokers require more frequent air filter replacements. Smoke particles can quickly accumulate in your air filters and restrict airflow over time.
- Climate: If you live in a warm climate and use your AC heavily, your filters may get dirty faster. Increased usage can cause filters to accumulate dust and debris quicker.
- Allergies: If you or your family members suffer from allergies, you may need to change air filters more frequently to prevent indoor air quality issues.
- Type of Filter: The type of air filters you use will also determine how often to replace or clean them. Fiberglass filters need to be changed monthly, whereas specialty filters may last up to 12 months.
Schedule air conditioner maintenance with Mercurio’s today. Our licensed and insured HVAC technicians will ensure your HVAC system is ready for warm weather.
