Regularly changing your HVAC system’s air filters will keep your home clean and your family healthy. Take a look at these signs that it might be time to have your air filters replaced.
- Problems with Allergies or Asthma
A clogged filter will increase the air pressure within your ducts. When the air pressure becomes too high, it could force air and outdoor allergens around the filters instead of through them. Over time, you might begin to experience issues such as a sore throat, red eyes, and a runny nose.
- High Amount of Dust in Your Home
All homeowners should be wary of an unusual amount of dust in their home. A clogged air filter is one of the most common causes of extra dust, but you might also be dealing with insulation problems such as damaged weatherstripping or cracks in the ducts.
- Uneven Temperatures
Uneven temperatures throughout your home is another clear sign that something is wrong with the HVAC system. A well-maintained HVAC system should be able to keep every room in the house at a consistent temperature. Even if your filters are not ready to be changed, you should still have your system inspected by a technician if you have noticed this problem.
- High Energy Bills
An air filter that has become clogged with dust will force your heating and cooling systems to work much harder. This generally results in higher energy bills during the hottest and coldest months of the year. Changing your filters is a great way to keep your HVAC system running at maximum efficiency.
- Noisy System
A loud HVAC system is a sign that your returns are working too hard to bring air into and through the system. Rattling, buzzing, or whirring air flow sounds mean that you likely have dirty air filters that you’re pulling limited air through. This adds strain to your system that can ultimately shorten its life.
- Changing Seasons
While filters should be checked every month, they will not need to be changed this often. It is recommended that filters be changed as the season’s change. There are reasons for choosing this schedule. Filters are most likely to be heavily dirty after a season of use. The start of fall is the perfect time to change filters for this reason. Filters that have not been checked on a regular basis may be dirty at the beginning of the hot season. Checking the filter and changing it at the start of summer ensures that families will stay cool throughout the season. Changing filters with the change of the seasons makes it easy for homeowners to remember when they need to complete this task.
