Filter changes seem simple enough, but how often should you change your AC filter? Monthly? Quarterly? What frequency is sufficient?
As your go-to for AC repair in Wethersfield, CT, SM Mechanical Services LLC can help you figure out the best timing for your household. Since there is rarely a one-size-fits-all approach to filter replacements, we outlined how to determine a change schedule and what factors might influence it.
How Do Air Filters Work?
Filters consist of metal or cardboard frames that contain either pleated paper-like media or fiberglass. Pleated vs. fiberglass air filters typically work better at capturing airborne contaminants, though both perform the same function. Each limits the pollutants and allergens circulating a building’s interior.
How To Change Them
Filter changes are fairly simple chores. All you have to do is locate the return register. This large vent is typically somewhere near the center of your home.
Once you find it, you can unfasten its metal hinges and lower or pull it open. You’ll find the old filter nestled beneath the vent grate. Pull the old filter away from the opening and tuck the new one inside.
MERV Ratings
How often should you change your AC filter? Before jumping into that, let’s briefly discuss MERV ratings and which rating works best for your air conditioning system. Every filter has a minimum efficiency reporting value.
This rating determines what contaminants it can successfully filter from the air. The higher the rating, the smaller the particles. While higher ratings also mean better air quality, you should consult your HVAC owner’s manual before purchasing a filter with a high MERV rating.
How Often Should You Change Your AC Filter?
Now, to get to the bottom of the main question: when and how often should you change your air filter? Frequent replacements enhance your system’s energy efficiency and keep your Wethersfield home healthy.
Many HVAC professionals recommend you switch them out every three months, but your frequency may vary based on the factors discussed below.
Local Pollution
Wethersfield, Connecticut, has comparatively healthy outdoor air quality compared to larger, more traffic-laden towns. However, the local pollution levels often rise during the morning and evening rush hours. Plus, Wethersfield’s pollen season begins in late February and lasts until the end of March.
Not to mention the cold and flu season beginning in autumn and peaking in winter. You might upgrade your filter during these months for added protection.
Lifestyle Habits
Do you share a household with pets, children, or adults who work in outdoor or otherwise contaminated environments? If so, you might adjust your filter replacement frequency accordingly. Dogs and cats shed fur and skin cells every day.
Children play outside, interact with other kids, and track dirt and germs indoors. The same often applies to people who work in construction and landscaping and have occupations similar to outdoor work environments. How often should you change your AC filter under these circumstances? Aim for every one to two months.
You can increase to every half-month if:
- Any occupants smoke or vape indoors.
- You live in an old home that needs construction updates.
- Your building has poor humidity control.
- You wrestle with known pest or fungal infestations.
- You frequently use household cleaning products with harsh chemical formulas.
These lifestyle habits will decrease indoor air quality faster and require fresh filters more often.
Health Conditions
How often would you change your AC filter if you have been diagnosed with health conditions? Some professionals recommend replacements every 20 to 45 days, depending on the diagnosis. You might also look into high-quality filters that eliminate a wider variety of particles.
Air quality might have a bigger impact on the following health conditions:
- Asthma
- Heart disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD
- Any immunocompromising disease
- Cancer
- Bronchitis
- Reactive or sensitive sinuses
- Allergic conditions
Individuals who suffer from these issues need a cleaner environment than others.
What Happens to Your Wethersfield HVAC System When You Skip Replacements?
Clean AC filters keep your health and HVAC system in check. The heating and cooling equipment might intake more dust without regular changes. It also works harder to produce fresh, conditioned air which means more repair services and a shorter system lifespan.
Keep Up With Filter Changes With Help From SM Mechanical Services LLC’s Maintenance Tune-Ups in Wethersfield, Connecticut
How often should you change your AC filter? Just ask SM Mechanical Services LLC’s HVAC technicians in Wethersfield, Connecticut. Our maintenance tune-ups address filter changes, system cleanings, and potential causes of house humidity with the AC on. Let us make your air the cleanest it’s ever been.