How Often Should You Replace Your HVAC Filters

Your Weatherford, TX home relies on your HVAC system to maintain a comfortable and safe indoor environment. This system will only function normally when it receives proper maintenance and attention. One part of routine maintenance is to change your filter periodically. Most filters require replacement every 30 to 90 days, but let’s look at this process more in depth.

Why Are HVAC Filters Important?

Even if you maintain a very clean home, there is particulate matter that can circulate. This includes substances like pollen from the outdoors, pet dander if you have pets in the home, dust, dust mites, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds. If you expose yourself to these contaminants regularly, you may experience an increase in allergy symptoms, asthma attacks, headaches, fatigue, etc. The filter in your HVAC system can remove much of these particulates, promoting healthier indoor air.

Your HVAC filter also protects your HVAC system from damage that can be caused by a buildup of particles and debris. If you were allowing these contaminants to build up in your equipment, this would lead to more repairs and a shortened lifespan for your heating and cooling equipment. While these filters are very important, they inevitably become clogged and require replacement. 

The Type of Filter and Frequency

The type of filter that you’re using will usually determine how frequently it needs to be checked or replaced. Some cheaper filters will need to be replaced every 30 days as they clog up quickly. However, upgraded models can last up to 90 days or even longer. Check the manufacturer’s recommendation to come up with a schedule for replacement.

Fiberglass Filters

This is an affordable filter type that usually lasts around 30 days before requiring replacement. They work very well to trap large particles, but they’re not all that effective for smaller particles. A lot of homeowners in Weatherford choose to combine a standard fiberglass filter with a whole-house air purification unit or other ventilation improvements. 

Pleated Air Filters

A pleated filter has a larger surface area than a fiberglass filter, allowing more particulate matter to become trapped. These filters often last closer to 90 days, though they may be a bit expensive compared to cheaper versions.

HEPA Filtration

HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, can remove as much as 99.97% of particulate matter from your indoor air, as well as viruses and bacteria. It’s a common filter choice for Weatherford homes. However, this filter may be too restrictive for the heating and cooling equipment that you have. You may be better off using a HEPA filter in a whole-house purifier. 

Activated Carbon Filtration

Activated carbon filters are usually paired with a fiberglass or pleated filter. This material is effective for removing volatile organic compounds and odors from your indoor air. This is another filter option that can be restrictive, so make sure your HVAC system can handle it. 

Considering Reusable Filters

There are washable HVAC filters that don’t need to be replaced. Rather, you wash them, let them dry, and then they are replaced back into your system. Their upfront cost is a bit more than a replaceable model, but you end up saving money in the long run. 

You may want to rethink using a reusable filter if you or someone in your household deals with severe allergy issues. While you can effectively clean these filters, there may be some residue that remains. You can remove more particulate matter and maintain healthy indoor air by using a replaceable filter.

Things That Affect HVAC Filter Maintenance Frequency

There are several factors that can impact how often you need to change your HVAC filters.

Seasonal Impact

There are times of the year when your filters may become clogged quickly with things like pollen, pollution, or dust. Springtime is a time of year when you’ll want to consider changing your filters more frequently.

HVAC Cycling

If your HVAC system is running more frequently than normal because of extreme temperatures outside, this will inevitably cause your filters to clog more quickly. 

Pets in the Home

If you have pets in the home, a high concentration of dander and pet fur can clog your filter quickly. You may want to consider replacing your HVAC filter more frequently to help you control allergies. You can consider using a carbon filter to reduce the smell of pets in the home.

Number of Residents

The more people you have living in your home, the more particulates you will likely have present in your indoor air. This is caused by an increase in dust, skin cells, and more. 

Remodeling Work

If you’ve recently had work done in your home, you’ll want to change out your filter once the cleanup process is done. Any kind of construction produces a lot of dust and particles. You want to avoid recirculating these particulates in your home and air ducts. They can also harm your HVAC equipment.

The Location of Your Home

If your home is situated near an area that is experiencing construction, has high levels of pollution, or is experiencing wildfires, pay close attention to the frequency of your filter changes. You may need to consider upgraded filters or more frequent filter changes. 

Checking for Replacement Needs

Aside from following a set schedule for replacement of your filters, there are some other things you can check. For instance, you can look at your filter. If it appears to be very dirty or caked with debris, it’s time to change it. If you’re unsure, compare your used filter to a brand-new one of the same variety to see how different they look from one another. 

You can also monitor your energy consumption to see if your heating or cooling equipment is running more frequently than is typical for that time of year. A dirty filter can impede your HVAC system’s ability to keep your home comfortable, causing it to run more. 

Air Purification Equipment

Don’t forget to change the filters that are in any additional air purification or ventilation equipment that you have in your home. The frequency of which you need to change these filters can really vary, so check the specifications for those filters. The same applies for changing these filters, such as time of year, pets in the home, etc.

If you would like more information about the frequency of replacing your HVAC filters, reach out to the team here at Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical. We have been serving the area of Weatherford since 1983. In addition to indoor air quality concerns, we also install, repair, and maintain different types of heating and cooling equipment. We also offer plumbing services such as pipe repair and installation, sewer repair, clog removal, fixture installation, drain cleaning, and more. Our electrical services include repair, installation, panel and breaker upgrades, generators, lighting, etc. Contact Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical to schedule an appointment today.