Your HVAC system’s filter is a highly important and often underestimated part of your comfort system. It sits in the return air duct where air is pulled from the house into the AC (or heater) to be cooled (or heated). This may not seem vital, of course, but this filter captures and removes a wide range of contaminants that would otherwise cause major issues for your comfort systems!
Now that we know what HVAC filters do, we need to give you an answer to a question that you may not have asked before: “How often should an HVAC filter be changed?”
The answer: Every one to three months.
Let’s dig into why regular filter changes are important and how they benefit you. After all, this is one of the only aspects of AC maintenance in Redding, CA that a professional technician will actually encourage you to take care of on your own.
Why Change Your HVAC Filter Regularly
Let’s be clear, your HVAC filter isn’t made to specifically improve your indoor air quality. That is the job of an air filtration system, which is different than an HVAC air filter.
That doesn’t make this filter less important. Regularly changing your air filter keeps the airflow entering your HVAC system clean and strong, which is exactly what is needed to keep these systems running effectively and efficiently.
Here are some clear-cut benefits you’ll want to know about to encourage yourself to keep those filter changes regular!
1. Improved Energy Efficiency
Changing your air filter regularly improves HVAC performance by ensuring the air it’s working with is always free of contaminants. The cleaner the air, the easier it is for your system to heat it, cool it, and move it throughout your home.
According to the US Department of Energy, replacing your air filter regularly can reduce your home’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%. When the filter is clean, your system doesn’t need to work as hard to do its job.
2. Helps Indoor Air Quality
While this isn’t the filter’s main job, it certainly isn’t going to hurt your indoor air quality! Since the air filter’s job is to ensure the air in your HVAC system is clean, this means that the air it sends into your home is cleaner in most cases too. This filter can help remove contaminants such as:
- Dust
- Dirt
- Pet dander
- Pollen
Reducing the concentration of these contaminants improves your indoor air quality and several other aspects of your personal comfort too.
3. Longer HVAC Lifespan
One of the best ways to make sure your HVAC system doesn’t break down early is to change its filter often. Regular AC filter changes prevent your system from overheating and working too hard. A dirty, clogged filter puts strain on your entire system, making it more likely to shut down years earlier.
4. Less Need for HVAC Repairs
Air filters help improve HVAC performance by ensuring your unit isn’t working under strain. It also prevents dirt and dust from building up and making it harder for individual components to perform their jobs. Homeowners who regularly replace their filters need fewer HVAC repairs overall.
5. Better Temperature Control
Regular filter replacements also protect the evaporator coil from getting dirty. A dirty coil is less able to absorb heat and cool your home, so keeping a majority of debris out of the system is a priority. The improved airflow also means you’re less likely to experience cold spots, drafts, and uneven cooling.
6. Saves Money
Last but not least, air filters save you money. Your system will perform better, so your energy bills are lower. You’re less likely to need sudden repairs too. By regularly replacing air filters, you can easily save $1,000 or more over the course of your HVAC system’s life.
HVAC Air Filters vs. Whole-House Air Filters
There is an important distinction between your HVAC filter and a whole-house air filter. HVAC filters are solely designed to protect your system.
Some people find that regularly replacing their air filters doesn’t improve their indoor air quality enough. In these cases, a whole-house air filter might be the right solution.
Whether you need help with your HVAC filter or you are looking to install a whole-house air filtration system, you can count on our team to provide the assistance necessary.
Contact Redding Heating & Air to schedule your HVAC services today.