When Should You Change Your Air Filter?

Your air filter is a crucial part of your heating and cooling system, but when was the last time you replaced yours? According to Energy Star, a dirty filter will slow down air flow and make your heating and cooling system work harder to keep you warm or cool. This unfortunately leads to a waste in energy and expensive repairs or an early system failure. With your air filters working behind the scenes, it is far too easy to overlook them or forget to change them entirely. So when exactly should you change your air filter?

When Should I Change My Filter?

How frequently you should change your air filter depends on several different factors. Your type of filter, your sensitivity to allergens, and other issues can all help determine when to change your air filter.

Type of Filter

The type of filter that you currently have is one of the main factors for how often you should change your air filter. There is a large variation in filters from the material they’re made with, the thickness of the filter, their form, and other variations. When trying to decide when your filter should be changed, pay special attention to the exact type and efficiency of your filter. There are two main types of filters: passive filters and electronic, polarized media filters. Within these two types, there is a also a range of efficiency, which determines the size and amount of problematic particles your filter can catch. Knowing the type and efficiency level of your system’s filter can provide an average time of when to change it. A standard, passive filter, for example, should be changed every 30 days, while a higher efficiency electronic filter only requires its media to be changed every 3-4 months.

Allergens

If you and your family are prone to allergies and asthma, you’re not alone. Central Kentucky is consistently ranked one of the worst places to live for spring allergies. Your filter is designed to help catch these allergens, so changing it with more frequency can alleviate some of these respiratory issues. According to the EPA, your indoor air can be two to five times, and as much as one hundred times, more polluted than outside air. This level of allergens in your home, makes consistent filter changes all the more crucial.

Pets

If you and your family own pets, then your air filters can be seriously impacted. The high concentration of pet hair and dander can quickly clog your filters, so if you own pets be sure to change your air filter with more frequency. It is also important to pay attention to the seasonal temperatures with your animals. The hot, summer months for example, will cause animals to shed more, creating more work for your air filters.

For more information, or for help changing your air filter, call Fayette Heating & Air today at 859-233-0424.