Most folks don’t spend much time pondering their HVAC system—it generally becomes a topic for discussion only when things malfunction.
By then, you’re either too hot or too cold to think straight, sorely regretting having neglected your heating and air conditioning equipment. Something as simple as changing your air filters can prevent a scenario where you’re either dripping with sweat or standing there, teeth chattering, searching for an HVAC repair person. Read on to learn everything you ever wanted to know about HVAC air filters.
What are HVAC air filters?
Made of fiberglass and cardboard, air filters are tucked into HVAC systems in order to protect you and your family from dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants. These simple parts are truly your best friends when it comes to improving the air quality in your home and keeping it free of mold, lint, bacteria, and pet fur. Air filters trap all of these contaminants and stop them from being recirculated into your home or office’s air.
How often should I change the filters?
It’s advisable to change your air filters as frequently as once a month, particularly if you’ve got pets or pollen issues. You could go as long as ninety days in-between filter changes, but that’s not advisable if anyone in the household is asthmatic or suffers from seasonal allergies. Itchy eyes, dry coughing, headaches, and sneezing might be brought on due to clogged filters, so take a look at your home or office’s filters on a regular basis.
Why should I change them?
Aside from health benefits, changing your filters will extend the life of your HVAC units. Regularly changing your filters helps prevent grime and dirt from clogging your system. Air borne continents can tax your equipment and wear it all out, causing issues to arise that otherwise could have been avoided. Clean filers keep your HVAC system running in tip-top condition, ensuring efficient, proper cooling and heating of your space.
Where do I start?
If you’ve never changed your air filters, it’s time to contact an HVAC professional to take a look at your setup. Industry professionals can help you determine which filters are best suited for your space, and diagnose any other underlying issues that may have arisen due to soiled filters, vents, and other equipment. The sooner you have someone check out your gear, the better, as your utility bills are probably higher than they will be after proper maintenance. Remember, something as simple as changing those filters prevents more serious issues down the line.
Taylor Heating & AC is South Puget Sound’s premier provider of Indoor Air Quality systems and services. Over the last 35+ years, we’ve welcomed tens of thousands of happy customers to the Taylor Family, and we would be honored to serve as your trusted Air Quality expert. Give us a call at (253) 208-5315; we’d be glad to answer your HVAC questions!
