The efficiency of your air conditioning system has a lot to do with the state of the air filters it has in place. Over time, the filters in your HVAC system accumulate a lot of dirt, grime, and other impurities that it collects from your home. Dragonfly Heating & Cooling provides you with various factors that will determine how frequently you need to change your HVAC filters in Riverside, CA.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR HVAC FILTERS?
The air that is filtered through your HVAC system eventually comes back into the room. If the filters are not functioning properly, then a lot of impurities that can cause sickness will be spread in your Riverside home. Filters fill up with dust and other debris from the air, and you should change or clean them regularly, depending on your AC system. Those made of paper and cardboard are disposable, but there are others with metal frames that can be cleaned following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Although the packaging of a new AC filter mentions how long it should last, we suggest you take that date as the absolute maximum. The general recommendation is that the air filters in a home should be changed every 30 days if they are the cheaper fiberglass types. Some high-end pleated filters can last up to six months with average use without taking size or type into consideration. However, as a rule, make a point of changing your air filters every 90 days, if not earlier.
The circumstances of the frequency of the requirement for AC filter replacement vary depending on the usage. Filters in vacation houses located in rural areas with few occupants and no pets can last six to 12 months. An ordinary Riverside suburban home that has no pets can have filters changed every 90 days, but 60 days for a home with pets. If you have more than one pet or someone has allergies, then the filter change should be done every 20 to 45 days.
We at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling believe that there is more than just knowing the number of days that it takes for a filter to become obsolete. If you continue to ignore the filter, then it is not the only thing that will stop functioning properly. The dirt that is accumulating in the ducts will degrade other movable parts of the unit and make them run slower. The mechanics of your HVAC system will wear out faster than they would during normal use.
That is not all. Keep reading if you want to understand why Dragonfly Heating & Cooling recommends that you need to frequently change your AC filters.
WHY DO YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR HVAC FILTER?
Many people do not have a clue as to the actual function of filters in an HVAC system. Although standard HVAC filters trap dust and other impurities that are sucked into the ducts, they are not meant to purify the air that you breathe. Their main purpose is to protect the HVAC unit from destructive elements in the air that could damage the internal parts of the unit. This way, the unit can perform its intended functions (keeping you cool or warm) perfectly.
Whenever you detect the presence of more pollutants and particles in the air, it is a good idea to upgrade your air filters. During the flu and allergy season or when a nearby construction or home renovation is kicking up more dirt than usual, you need high-efficiency filters. The high-efficiency HVAC filters are designed to eradicate bacteria, allergens, mold, pollen, and even viruses. These kinds of filters, which are commonly known as HEPA (high-energy particulate air filters), need to be changed more often since they trap more debris and get clogged faster.
The things that should influence your decision and help you determine the frequency at which to change your HVAC filters include:
- If anyone has allergens or asthma
- The number and type of pets in your home
- The presence of younger children
- The number of people in your home
- The type of AC filter you use
- The level of indoor air pollution
- Your rating of indoor air quality
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU DON’T CHANGE HVAC FILTERS OFTEN?
Failure to change the HVAC filter will cause it to fail. It will stop filtering air properly, thus allowing dust and other contaminants to enter the unit. The dirt that gets into the system will cover important parts in the system, such as valves and motors. This will lead the HVAC system to draw more power while trying to function normally. Eventually, you will end up spending more on electricity, frequent breakdowns, repairs, and replacements.
High-efficiency filters (HEPA filters) have a finer mesh that captures tinier particles such as dander, pollen, allergens, and mold spores. If these filters are not changed frequently, then the result can be serious mold infestations. The air that goes through your AC system will contain germs, mold, and pollen that is spread throughout the house. This will make people sick. Dragonfly Heating & Cooling technicians always make a point of educating our customers about certain things like these for their well-being.
The essence of having an air conditioning system is to provide a conducive atmosphere for comfortable living or working. Besides allergies, asthmatic attacks, and flu, you might also suffer headaches, fatigue, hypertension, dizziness, sinus congestion, shortness of breath, coughing, and sneezing. Illness and discomfort affect productivity and it is expensive. You might also have to miss work, thus decreasing your income.
HOW DO YOU CHANGE HVAC FILTERS?
Changing your air filter is a simple process that can be accomplished within a few minutes. The first thing you need to do is turn off the AC unit to find the location of the filter. It is usually at the air handler or a return duct in your basement, utility closet, or attic.
Remove the grille that covers it and take out the fan. You might require a screwdriver to detach an access panel if it is in the air handler. Check the size and type of filter so that you can purchase the right one if you haven’t already. Take out the old filter and replace it with the new one. Return the grille and turn the system back on.
WHAT IS THE LOGIC OF CHANGING HVAC FILTERS?
The expected lifespan of a reliable HVAC system is between 10 to 15 years, and some might slightly go beyond that. That lifespan duration can be shortened by more than five years if regular cleaning or replacing of the AC filters is not done. The cost of replacing and repairing broken parts of your system cannot compare to the minimal cost of air filters. Therefore, changing the filters is more logical than undergoing avoidable circumstances.
If you are a resident of Riverside and require any services related to heating and air conditioning, then Dragonfly Heating & Cooling is the best in the area. We offer high-quality installation, repair, and maintenance of all types of HVAC systems in Riverside and the surrounding area. Our team of expert technicians will help you through the whole process of deciding the best HVAC solution for your family. With NCI and NATE certification, we can provide you with safe, energy efficient, and compatible systems that meet your desired expectations.
