Air Conditioning Repair February 20, 2024

Discover the Perfect Schedule for Changing Your HVAC Air Filter

Air filters play a pivotal role in maintaining the sanctity of our indoor environments. Acting as guardians, they meticulously filter out dust, pollen, and various airborne contaminants, thus safeguarding the efficiency and longevity of our HVAC systems. However, to continue their vigilant protection, these essential components require regular maintenance. The question is, how often should you change the AC filter?

The Ideal Timing for Filter Replacement

Let’s get straight to the point. For the average home without pets, it’s recommended to change your HVAC filter every 90 days or about every three months. However, life isn’t always ‘average.’ If your household includes furry friends, you’ll want to change your AC filter every 60 days to keep everything running smoothly.

For those with allergies, respiratory issues, or multiple pets, a more frequent change every 20–45 days is advisable. For those of you with a vacation home or a less frequently used space, extending that period to 9–12 months is typically acceptable. It boils down to this: The more your home is used, the more attention your air filter needs.

The Consequences of Neglect

• Reduced Efficiency: A clogged filter cannot effectively clean the air, causing your HVAC system to work harder. This extra strain can lead to reduced efficiency and higher energy costs.
• Increased Energy Costs: As your system strains to pull air through a dirty filter, it consumes more energy, leading to higher utility bills.
• Potential Breakdowns: The added strain on your HVAC system can cause components to wear out faster, increasing the likelihood of breakdowns and the need for repairs.
• Poor Air Quality: Regular filter changes help remove small particles from the air. Without these changes, you’re missing out on the benefits of high-efficiency filters that capture allergens, pollen, dander, and mold spores, leading to poorer indoor air quality.

What Are MERV Ratings?

When selecting a new air filter, you’ll encounter the term MERV rating. This stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, a standard that rates the effectiveness of air filters. The scale runs from 1 to 20, where higher numbers indicate a filter’s ability to trap finer particles. While it might seem like a good idea to grab the highest MERV rating, it’s crucial to match the filter to your system’s capabilities.

Ensuring Your Home Breathes Easy

In summary, keeping up with your air filter changes is a simple but effective way to ensure your HVAC system operates at peak efficiency, saving you money and keeping your air clean. Whether it’s routine maintenance or you need air conditioning repair in Manassas, VA, don’t hesitate to call us. Our team at Parrish Services is here to help you maintain the perfect home environment.