Did you know that an estimated 137 million people in the U.S. live in areas with unhealthy air? Unfortunately, many of them are in none other than California. Of the country’s 25 most air-polluted cities, 11 are in the Golden State.
If you haven’t guessed yet, San Francisco and San Jose, CA, are two of those 11.
You might think you’re safe from polluted air if you stay indoors, but that’s not always the case. A home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) can sometimes be worse than outdoor air.
The good news is that a timely HVAC filter replacement can help safeguard your home’s IAQ.
But what exactly are the benefits of having clean HVAC filters? When and how often should you change air filters?
We’ve shared the answers below and threw in a few other facts you need to know about air filters, so read on.
The Benefits of Clean HVAC Filters
The primary purpose of HVAC filters is to remove air pollutants before they get into your system. If not for them, air impurities can coat HVAC components, such as the coils, motor, fan, and electronics. Dust and dirt, in turn, impair heater and air conditioner performance and efficiency.
The poorer the performance of an HVAC system, the less comfortable a home can get. And the less efficient heaters and air conditioners are, the more energy they consume. As a result, they can cause a spike in your heating and cooling energy bills.
Thus, one of the chief benefits of having clean air filters is to ensure proper HVAC maintenance. A well-maintained system then benefits you by effectively keeping your home comfortable. Moreover, it uses less energy, helping you save on heating and cooling bills.
Indeed, the U.S. Department of Energy says clean filters can reduce an AC unit’s energy use by 5% to 15%.
In addition, clean HVAC filters are more effective in trapping air pollutants. After all, they can accommodate more impurities. By contrast, the dirtier a filter is, the less room it has to entrap debris.
So, clean HVAC filters can help keep your home’s air healthy and fresh by removing air pollutants.
Recommendations on Filter Replacement Frequency
The experts at Energy Star advise changing filters every three months at the least. However, they also recommend monthly inspections during the peak heating and cooling seasons. Doing so allows you to keep track of their condition and replace them as soon as they appear dirty.
That said, several factors can influence the frequency of your filter changes.
The Size of Your Household
According to scientists, the average human loses about 200 million skin cells an hour. So if your household consists of four members, that equates to 800 million shed skin cells. In turn, all those dead skin flakes, also called human dander, add to the dust that piles in and around your home.
Fortunately, air filters can capture human dander. However, that also means that the more people in your home, the faster the filters can get clogged with dead skin.
In addition, the more people in your household, the more dust, dirt, and debris that get tracked in.
Thus, if you have a large family, it’s best to inspect your air filters every three weeks or so. Then, change them as soon as they look dirty.
You Have Animal Companions
Just like humans, furry animals also produce dander. So if you have dogs or cats at home, expect your air filters to clog up faster. The more furry pets you have, the shorter the time between your air filter replacements should be.
Someone in Your Household Smokes
Inspect and replace air filters at least once every three weeks if someone in your family smokes. That’s because tobacco cigarettes emit air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM). Air filters trap PM, so tobacco smoke can cause them to clog up sooner.
Signs You Need HVAC Filter Replacement ASAP
It can be easy to forget about your HVAC filters, considering they’re out of sight. However, while clogged filters aren’t immediately visible, their tangible effects often are.
If you notice any of the following signs, take that as a cue to replace your filters immediately.
Not Enough Cool or Warm Air
Severe blockages in HVAC filters inhibit airflow into your comfort system. That reduces the air your heater can warm up, or your AC can cool down. As a result, you may notice a decrease in the conditioned air circulating in your home.
Warm Instead of Cool Air
A clogged filter may be to blame if your AC blows warm air. One reason is that it can contribute to an air conditioner’s evaporator coils freezing up. The ice that builds up then blocks those metal loops from absorbing the heat in the air.
Since the AC can’t cool the air, the warm, unconditioned air flows back into your home.
Weird Odors
A burning odor coming from your home heater can be a sign of a severe filter clog. The heat produced by the system can be enough to burn off dust and debris clogging an HVAC filter.
A clogged filter may also cause a burning smell by making the blower motor overheat. Excess heat may also cause the blower motor to seize up. Ultimately, that could lead to the system shutting down.
If the conditioned air your HVAC system produces smells musty, the filter may again be to blame. It may be full of molds and mildew, so check it ASAP. Replace the filter if you can see visible mold growths on it.
Never Delay Necessary HVAC Filter Replacement
As you can see, timely HVAC filter replacement can help keep your heater and AC in top condition. In contrast, clogged air filters can strain and boost your system’s energy use.
Since you don’t want higher heating and cooling bills, change your filters as often as needed.
Do you need help replacing or choosing the best types of air filters for your HVAC system? Or perhaps your system is acting up.
Whatever your concerns are, our team of Bay Area HVAC experts can help. So, contact us now to have your system serviced ASAP.
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