How Often Should I Change My Air Filters? What Type Should I Buy?

What You’ll Notice When it’s Time to Change Your Air Filter

When it comes to air conditioner maintenance, the best way to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your unit is to regularly change your air filter. Whether you have a central air system, mini-splits, or portable units, air filters are an essential part of the air conditioning process. A clogged filter can lead to reduced performance, costly repairs, and an increase in your monthly energy bills. Below, we explain how often to change your air filters, and which types of filters are best for your situation. 

What to Consider When Changing Your Air Filter

When trying to determine how often you should change your air filter, it’s important to take into consideration a wide range of factors before determining what is right for your situation. Depending on your HVAC usage and household conditions, air filters can last from 30 days to 180 days. Before choosing the period of time that is appropriate for you, take into account these criteria when determining how frequently to change your air filter.

• Size – If you have a small home then your filter would need less changing due to your AC having to circulate less air, whereas a larger home would need frequent filter changes.

• Frequency – Frequent AC use necessitates more frequent filter changes to keep your AC running at peak efficiency.

• Type – If you have a fiberglass filter, it may be cost-effective but not as efficient as a pleated polyester or HEPA air filter that requires less changes.

• Illnesses – If your family is prone to illnesses such as allergies, asthma, or respiratory difficulties, it is safer for their health and yours to change your filter often.

• Pets – If you own shedding pets such as dogs, cats, or birds, you will need to change your air filter more frequently to have the best indoor air quality (IAQ) for your home and health.

What kind of Air Filters Are Right for You?

You need to make sure the air filter you purchase is the right material for your AC unit. It is important to choose an air filter that is efficient and durable. Fiberglass filters are cited as low-cost disposable options. However, they get easily clogged, leaving your AC with inefficient cooling. Polyester filters are often sold with pleated construction. They may cost more, but are much more effective air filters for trapping allergens, dust, and other debris. HEPA filters are the ideal filters for consistent air filtration. While they are an expensive choice, they can remove dust, mold, allergens, and pollen from the air, resulting in high indoor air quality.

Signs that your Air Filter Needs to be Changed

You notice your AC isn’t working the way it needs to be. If you’re having issues with your AC, your air filter may be the problem. Think your AC may need a filter change? Here are some signs you may be right.

• Your filter is clogged with dust and dirt, creating a wheezing sound when your AC is in use.
• Your AC is exhibiting low levels of performance, not cooling your home properly.
• Your energy bill is rising.
• You are having allergy issues or may be getting sick.
• You haven’t changed it in 30 days or more.

Determining when your air filter needs changing or the right air filter for your unit can be a tricky business. But with the certified HVAC technicians at Comfort Solutions, you’ll have all the expertise you need to make sure your air quality is what it needs to be.

For more information, please call us at 610-438-9300 or contact us onlineto connect with our HVAC specialists and book a service appointment.