Why does your HVAC filter need replacing so often?
A dirty air filter leads to an inefficient HVAC system that is not cooling and heating your home as it should. Beyond the extra energy wasted keeping your home comfortable, dirty air filters will also force your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to keep up. If you struggle with dirty air filters, you might be curious why they keep being a problem! Here are some of the many reasons why.
You Aren’t Changing Them Often Enough
Depending on whether or not you have pets or indoor allergies, you should typically change your air filters every 2-3 months. Always keep track of your filter changes using either a paper calendar or your phone calendar. Without regular air filter replacement, your home will not be as comfortable as it could. You should also change your filters more often if you frequently run your heating and cooling. Spend all summer blasting the AC? Change your filters once a month during peak cooling season.
You’re Using Cheap Filters
Every air filter is rated with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) that indicates how efficient they are. Air filters that have a high MERV rating are very efficient, and filters with lower ratings are less efficient. Many inexpensive filters need to be changed more frequently to work as well as more expensive options. Inexpensive fiberglass filters often only have a lifespan of 30 days or less. When choosing a filter don’t just choose the least expensive option.
Your Home Is Dusty
It sounds silly, but if your home has a great deal of dust, your air filters will become dirty much quicker. If return vents have a large amount of dust and debris on the surface, that dust will get pulled straight into the ducts and then into the filters. You should clean and dust your home frequently to avoid all of the dust ending up on your filters.
You Have Pets
If you have furry friends, there is a good chance that your air filters will need to be changed much more frequently. If you have a dog or cat, their fur can rapidly clog up the air filter. You should practice vacuuming at least once or twice a week and regularly brush your pet to get rid of excess hair.
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William E. Kingswell has remained a distinguished provider of commercial and residential heating and cooling services since 1937. We have provided an unmatched level of customer service to all of our clients, and we enjoy being the preferred HVAC equipment distributor of countless customers. We offer a comprehensive range of high-quality heat pumps, boilers, unit heaters, HVAC accessories, and more. William E. Kingswell works with businesses and homeowners throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, including Baltimore, Frederick, Annapolis, Fairfax, Manassas, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Virginia Beach, and Leesburg. To learn more about our extensive range of SpacePak, Concord, Allied Commercial, and Bard HVAC equipment, give us a call at 301-937-1900 or contact us today!
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