As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, many homeowners in Little Rock might be hoping for a bit of luck with their HVAC system; however, when it comes to your home’s air quality, relying on luck isn’t the best strategy. One of the most important things you can do to keep your HVAC system running smoothly is regularly changing your air filters. If you’ve ever wondered, “How often should you change your home’s air filters?” we will walk you through the process and help you avoid any unwelcome surprises.
What Are Your Home’s Air Filters?
Your home’s air filters are an essential part of your HVAC system. Located in your furnace or air conditioning unit, these filters trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles that circulate through your home. By capturing these particles, air filters help to keep your indoor air clean and prevent debris from clogging your HVAC system.
Think of your air filters as a pot of gold at the end of the HVAC rainbow, when they’re in good condition, they help ensure that you and your family are breathing fresh, clean air. But when filters become dirty or clogged, they can cause more harm than good.
Why Are Air Filters Important for Indoor Air Quality and Your HVAC System?
The quality of your air filters directly affects your indoor air quality. A clean filter helps to remove pollutants and allergens from the air, keeping your home healthy and comfortable. However, a dirty filter does the opposite, allowing harmful particles to recirculate, leading to stuffy air and even exacerbating allergy symptoms.
But it’s not just about air quality; clean filters are crucial to the performance of your HVAC system as well. A clogged air filter makes your system work harder to push air through, which can lead to overheating, inefficiency, and even system breakdowns. That’s why it’s essential to ask yourself, “How often should you change your home’s air filters?” and follow a regular maintenance schedule.
How Often Should You Check and Change Your Home’s Air Filters?
The frequency of filter changes depends on several factors, such as the type of filter, the size of your home, and whether you have pets. As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended to check your air filters at least once a month. For most households, replacing the filters every 30 to 90 days will ensure optimal performance.
- Standard 1 inch filters typically need to be changed every 1 to 3 months.
- Homes with pets or allergy sufferers may require more frequent filter changes, sometimes as often as once a month.
- Higher efficiency filters may last up to six months, but it’s still important to check them regularly.
Don’t leave it up to luck. Keeping an eye on your filters ensures they’re clean and ready to do their job, which can help extend the life of your HVAC system and improve your home’s air quality.
How Regular HVAC Maintenance Can Help
Staying on top of filter changes is essential, but regular HVAC maintenance can take things one step further. During a professional tune-up, your HVAC technician will inspect the entire system, including the filters, to ensure everything is running efficiently. Regular maintenance can also catch small problems before they turn into costly repairs.
At Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning, we recommend scheduling maintenance at least twice a year to keep your system in peak condition. Our expert technicians will not only change your filters but also clean and inspect your entire HVAC system to ensure it’s working efficiently year round.
Keep Your HVAC System Running Smoothly
This St. Patrick’s Day, don’t leave your HVAC system’s performance up to chance. Changing your air filters regularly is key to maintaining your indoor air quality and keeping your system running smoothly. If you’re unsure “How often should you change your home’s air filters,” or if it’s been a while since your last tune-up, contact Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning today. We proudly serve the Little Rock area, offering comprehensive HVAC maintenance, indoor air quality solutions, and much more. Let us help you keep your home comfortable and your HVAC system running efficiently, no luck required.
