A clear sign that the AC filter needs to be replaced is when the back of the unit is too hot. There is more dust near the ventilation grilles. The most obvious sign that you need a new air filter is if the one you have is gray and dirty. Be sure to take out the air filter and check it out at least once every two months.
If it looks dirty or dusty, change it. You can hear it: Your HVAC technician is giving you lessons on how to make sure you change your air filter. How many days was it again? 30? 100? — The general consensus is that you should replace your home's air filter every 3 months or 90 days. But what happens if you let that time go by a little? Before we talk about WHEN you should change your air filter, let's start with the WHY.
Air filters typically have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) that determines the type and size of contaminants against which the filter will act. According to the Department of Energy, running your heating and cooling system with a clogged air filter can cause it to consume 5 to 15 percent more energy than it would if the filter were clean. In general, filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower are considered HVAC system grade filters for residential, commercial, and general hospital use. A clogged air filter will cause your HVAC system to work overtime because you have to use more force to push the same amount of air through the filter.
Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings. It's a general recommendation to change your home's air filter every 30 days when using less expensive fiberglass filters. It would be easier to change all air filters on a set schedule, but, unfortunately, there are many variables that affect how often a filter needs to be changed. But how often do you need to change the air filter? How often do you need to change the oven filter? Well, it depends.
In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. The signs below usually appear when you are too late for a filter change, so it's best to change the filter before you get to this point. When you remove the air filter from the air handling unit, if you hold it close to a light source, you can see if the filter is dirty or clogged; if you can't see the light through the filter, it's definitely time to change it. The only type of filters that trap allergens and spores are HEPA, or high-energy particulate air filters.
As a general rule, you'll want to replace your home's pleated air filters and heating filters every 90 days. The longer the filter is in place, the more dirt, dust and allergens are trapped, clogging the filter and decreasing its efficiency.
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