The United States experiences its hottest days of the year near the end of July. This is a crescendo of several boiling summers months. If you were feeling this heat where you live, it’s no surprise if your air conditioning system was working double time.
While the AC does a great job of keeping the heat at bay, like all machines, it needs some routine maintenance to keep it running.
One of the most overlooked aspects of HVAC maintenance is the air filter. Many don’t realize when they should plan an HVAC filter change. This guide will take a look at some of the signs it’s time for a new air filter.
Unit Is Running Hot
There are many HVAC filter sizes, but they all work the same way. Your AC effectively breaths through the filter. A clean filter means easy airflow. Alternatively, when a filter is past its prime, the system has trouble getting air. This can lead to the system overheating.
Check the temp of your HVAC system. If the back of it feels hot, it may be overworked. The system will have a more difficult time cooling the house down. What’s more, if it runs like this for too long, it can cause damage to the mechanics.
This complete HVAC guide can help you avoid expensive repairs brought on by dirty filters.
High Electricity Bill
In the hotter months, it’s expected that the electricity bill will rise. However, if, out of nowhere, your bill significantly spikes, it could be the filter.
When an HVAC filter is clogged, the system has to work hard to pull air through the vents. This means the HVAC is less energy efficient.
A harder working system leads to more expensive bills. Keep an eye on the monthly electric costs.
Allergies Acting Up
An HVAC filter replacement does more than provide energy efficiency. Filters are critical to a home’s air quality. The fiberglass is designed to catch pollutants and debris in the air.
If you are experiencing allergies inside, it could be the air blowing from your vents. A clean filter will catch most of the allergy aggravators.
It’s Time
One of the simplest ways to keep track of a filter change is to monitor how long it has been. The best HVAC filter will last longer. Cheaper versions need to be replaced more often.
While there is not a specific lifespan of a filter, most suggest an air filter will last 1-3 months. Pet hair and debris puts excess stress on the filters. If you have dogs and cats, shorten your replacement schedule.
Keep Up With Routine HVAC Filter Change
Many factors come into play when it’s time to have an HVAC filter change. There is no concrete lifespan on an air filter. However, keep an eye out for some of these signs. If you notice them, it’s time for maintenance.
If you found this guide useful, stick around the blog for more helpful homeowner tips.
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