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Exploring the Types of Air Filters and How Often You Should Change them

Written by Comfort Solutions HVAC on . Posted in .

Expert Advice from Your Trusted HVAC Technicians at Comfort Solutions 

Owning a home comes with a number of responsibilities. While many of your household tasks are usually straightforward, there may be others that are less clear. For instance, one of the most important things you can do for your HVAC system is to change the air filter on a regular basis. A clean air filter helps your system function properly and is also responsible for keeping your energy bills to a minimum. However, this task is too often forgotten for months at a time, leading to more costly monthly expenses and future maintenance issues. So, how many times should an air filter be changed? Well, that depends on a few factors, though a good rule of thumb is to make sure you’re swapping it out every 90 days. 

At Comfort Solutions HVAC, our goal is to ensure your home is a safe and comfortable place for the whole family. That’s why we offer a variety of air quality services to help keep the air that is circulating throughout your home, fresh and clean.  

4 Variables that Affect Your HVAC Air Filter 

Knowing exactly when to change your air filter can be tricky for a few reasons. Every home is unique which can vary the answer to this frequently asked question. Even the type of air filter your system uses plays a role in determining how often it needs replacing. 

Read on to discover some common types of air filters and how often they should be changed:  

  • Fiberglass Filters: While these filters are a low-cost option, they should be discarded and replaced every 30 days. 
  • Pleated Air Filters: Unlike fiberglass filters, these filters are usually made from higher-quality materials and can last up to 3-6 months without having to be replaced. However, this depends on the materials used, the manufacturer’s quality and recommended usage, and also the frequency of use. 

Every type of filter includes its own instructions and detailed recommendation on how often they should be changed. With that in mind, there are a few other variables you need to consider that directly contribute to the effectiveness and longevity of your HVAC system’s air filter: 

  • House Size: A larger home will circulate more air, meaning that your air filter will need to be replaced much more frequently than if you live in a smaller home. 
  • Pets: Having a pet is a wonderful thing but they can have a significant impact on how often you change your air filter. Since most pets typically shed and can track outside pollutants into your home, you need to be more conscious of keeping your air filter free of fur or pet hair and dander.  
  • Allergens and Medical Conditions: If you have allergies or another respiratory condition, changing your air filter more often can help prevent flare-ups. 
  • Outdoor Air Quality: Living in a city can affect your indoor air quality. Your home is more likely to be polluted with smog and excess dirt and debris. This can cause your air filters to work harder, which means they will need to be replaced more often than usual.

When you follow the proper guidelines regarding how often to change your air filter, not only are you extending the life of your equipment, but you can also create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. At Comfort Solutions HVAC, we offer a variety of heating and cooling services so you can enjoy clean and fresh air inside your home. In the present times, it is especially important to ensure you have access to the purest air possible, as we are all encouraged to stay home as much as we can to help put an end to the current pandemic. You can trust that we have the required tools and experience to provide you with an effective solution that can address any and all your HVAC system or indoor air quality concerns.      

While you can change your own air filter, it may be time to have your equipment inspected by one of our professional HVAC technicians. To book a maintenance appointment for your heating and cooling system, call the experts at Comfort Solutions at 610-438-9300 or contact us online.