The filter for your HVAC system is a more crucial part of your home comfort than you may realize. What’s more, dirty filters are often a primary cause of increased HVAC repairs and common air conditioner problems.
If you don’t change your HVAC filter regularly, you run the risk of higher energy bills, restricted airflow, and the need for otherwise avoidable repairs.
If you’ve ever looked into what you can do to help maintain your AC, then you’ve likely seen “change your filter regularly” at the top of the checklists. There aren’t a lot of HVAC repairs you can DIY, but you can replace your AC filter every so often and reap the rewards.
But what are the reasons for changing your air filter so often, anyway? Let’s look at some of the benefits that come with checking and changing this often underestimated part of your HVAC system.
What does your HVAC air filter do?
Exactly as its name implies, AC filters in Staten Island work to filter debris out of the air coming into your AC or heater. Your HVAC system draws air from your home to cool (or heat), then pushes it back into your house through a series of ductwork and vents.
But that air isn’t exactly 100% clean. It’s full of dust, dirt, and other debris that occur naturally and can end up circulating throughout the house. The continued circulation of these particles can lead to problems with your AC system’s operation.
Enter the air filter. This semi-permeable membrane sits in the return air duct and removes contaminants from the air before they get into your HVAC system and cause trouble. While this system isn’t made to vastly improve your indoor air quality, it certainly doesn’t hurt it!
How often should you change your air filter?
You should change your AC filter every 90 days, year-round. While 90 days is the standard, some households will benefit from replacing their filter every 60 or even every 30 days. If you live in an area with high pollution, have seasonal allergies, or pets then you may want to replace your filter more often for maximum protection and HVAC performance.
Regular air filter changes are going to help your AC and heater in a number of ways such as:
- Reducing the collection of dust and dirt on cooling and heating components.
- Keeping airflow into the system strong and steady.
- Reducing the amount of energy needed to get the needed volume of air to cool or heat.
The best part is that you can do this task yourself! This is one of the only aspects of system maintenance that HVAC professionals will actually encourage you to do.
When you’re looking into getting some extra help with your AC though, our team is your go-to source. We can help you find and change your filter if you aren’t sure how to do it yourself. Beyond that, we can provide AC maintenance and repairs that help your system combat a variety of other issues it might encounter.
Serving Staten Island’s Heating and A/C needs since 1955: Contact Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule your AC services today.
