In San Diego, the air quality is polluted, making the environment unhealthy for sensitive people. Thus, it becomes necessary to monitor indoor air quality to avoid airborne health concerns. In this aspect, an HVAC air filter has a crucial role, as it can help trap dust, allergens, and other airborne particles through system efficiency. Thus, you must keep it functioning and replace it whenever necessary. So, let's learn what factors determine that it is time to replace the HVAC air filter.
Why Replacing Your HVAC Air Filter Matters?
With time, the HVAC air filter can get clogged. Thus, the entire system has to work 2X, leading to increased energy consumption and utility bills, costly repairs due to increased wear and tear on the HVAC unit, or even aggravation of allergies and respiratory issues due to poor indoor air quality. So, changing the HVAC air filter keeps the system running efficiently, reduces energy costs, and promotes a healthy indoor environment. Replacing the HVAC air filter on time with the help of experts that deal in air conditioning service San Diego can also prevent extra expenses and not cut a hole in your pocket.
Factors that Affect Filter Replacement Frequency
Below are some of the crucial factors:
- Household Size and Occupancy
In homes with multiple occupants, the need and frequency of changing the HVAC air filter are likely higher than in a smaller house. When there are more people, there is more dust and allergen buildup, so demand for regular filter updates also increases.
- Respiratory Concerns
If you or your family members suffer from allergies, you must change the air filter frequently. If you are determined to reduce allergens and contaminants in your house, always use high-efficiency filters.
- HVAC Usage Levels
If the temperatures are extreme, you have to use the HVAC systems frequently, and thus, regular filter replacement also becomes a necessity.
- Indoor Air Quality Concerns
If you are concerned about pollutants or live in areas with high outdoor pollution, you must frequently change to higher-grade filters. Try to opt for HEPA filters, which are designed to capture smaller particles and, in turn, make the air clean.
- Pet Presence
If pets in the house tend to shed their fur quite frequently, you have to replace the air filters every 1 to 2 months. Pet hair and dander can clog the filters, decreasing airflow and indoor air quality.
Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Air Filter
You must also look for specific signs that would help you understand that the air filter needs an early replacement:
- There is reduced airflow from vents while the HVAC system is still running.
- There is an increased amount of dust or allergens circulating inside your home.
- You are receiving higher than usual energy bills even if there is no increase in your usage routine.
- You might find that unpleasant odors are coming from the HVAC system.
Conclusion
You must choose the air filter based on your household conditions. If you want standard filtration, go for the basic 1-2 inch filters, which have to be changed every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage. However, replacement is required every 6-12 months if you want to trap finer particles.
