Why you should change your home air filter?

Change your air filter to extend furnace life, reduce energy bills and improve indoor air quality. Changing the air filter on a regular basis can improve your indoor air quality and help your HVAC system run more efficiently.

Consequently, how often should you change your air filter in your house?

Here are averages that might help you know how often you should change the air filter at home:

Vacation home or single occupant and no pets or allergies: every 6-12 months.
"Average" suburban home without pets: every 90 days.
Add a dog or cat: every 60 days.
Add more than one pet or anyone has allergies: 20-45 days.

Subsequently, question is, why do you need air filters? The Function of Air Filters It's basic function is to clean the air that circulates through your heating and cooling system. Filters trap and hold many types of particulates and contaminants that could affect your health and comfort, including: Dust and dirt. Pollen.

Secondly, what happens if you don't change air filter in house?

If you don't change your AC filter, it will begin to fail. It will no longer be able to filter the air properly, letting dust and contaminants get into the AC. That's why you can save about 15% each month on utilities if you change the AC filter each month during peak cooling season.

Does changing air filter make house cooler?

A dirty air filter restricts the flow of cold air, causing it to build up inside the air conditioner and lower the internal temperature. Uneven Cooling: Even if it's not enough to cause freezing, that restricted airflow isn't good for your air conditioner's cooling power.

33 Related Question Answers Found

What happens if I run my AC without a filter?

The biggest problem with running the AC without a filter is the dust/dirt that settles inside the AC system, restricting airflow over your evaporator coils. You see, your evaporator coils sit inside your AC air handler and are filled with cold refrigerant. This refrigerant is what actually cools the air.

How do you know if your air filter is dirty?

Common Signs of a Dirty Air Filter

Air Filter Appears Dirty. The most obvious way to tell if an air filter is dirty is to check to see if it looks dirty!
Reduced Fuel Economy.
Misfiring Engine.
Strange Engine Noises.
Bad Spark Plugs.
Check Engine Light On.
Reduced Horsepower.
Flames or Black Smoke from Exhaust Pipe.

Why is it important to change your air filter in your house?

Change your air filter to extend furnace life, reduce energy bills and improve indoor air quality. Changing the air filter on a regular basis can improve your indoor air quality and help your HVAC system run more efficiently.

Do you have to change oil filter every time?

Car manufacturers often suggest changing oil filters every other time you have your oil changed. Most parts and oil manufacturers, however, say to replace oil filters with every oil change, which should occur every 3,000 miles or three months (whichever comes first).

Does changing the air filter make a difference?

Some studies indicate that replacing a dirty air filter increases fuel mileage on older, carburated cars by as much as 14 percent if the filter is so dirty it affects driveability. In addition, changing a clogged air filter can potentially increase acceleration by 6 to 11 percent on modern fuel-injected cars.

Do I need filters in my return vents?

The Case for a Return Duct Filter

Regular maintenance is certainly recommended, but adding a return air filter can help to block some of this incoming debris and ensure that the air coming in is clean. Clean air means a clean system.

Does changing AC filter help?

An added perk. Not only does changing your AC filter help your home's air conditions, it can also save you money. Replacing a clogged air filter with a new one can lower the air conditioner's energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent, according to the US Department of Energy.

Can Dirty air filters make you sick?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), dirty air filters may be to blame. Studies show that indoor air pollution caused by a dirty air filter can trigger allergic reactions and sinus congestion in those with allergies to animals, pollen and mold.

Does Cabin Air Filter affect AC?

While a soiled cabin air filter can affect the AC system, a dirty engine air filter can cause engine performance problems. Replacing an old engine air filter can go a long way towards increasing the vehicle's efficiency.

How often should you clean air conditioner filter?

As a general rule, you should clean your air conditioner filters within the indoor unit every two weeks. In more dusty or polluted environments you should clean your filters more regularly. Cleaning your filters is the most important maintenance task you can do to care for your air conditioner.

Can a dirty furnace filter cause a fire?

Risk of a Ventilation Fire

In extreme cases, a dirty air filter may become so clogged that the filter itself becomes sucked into the system, compromising air flow through the filter. This situation poses a serious fire hazard and can cause extreme damage to your HVAC unit and your home.

Can a clogged AC filter cause AC not to work?

Many people wonder, “Can a dirty air filter cause my AC not to cool?” The simple answer is yes – a dirty filter can create several problems that can hinder your unit's effectiveness. Not to mention, a dirty filter can also lead to premature failure of your system.

Do you have to turn off furnace to change filter?

To Change Your Home Air Filter, You'll Need To Turn Off Your Furnace. To prevent the HVAC unit from turning on while you are changing the filter, make sure you turn the thermostat to the “off” position. For maximum safety, disconnect power from your furnace system while you are doing maintenance.

What AC filter should I use?

If your AC system only accepts a one-inch thick filter, using an inexpensive MERV-5 or -6 fiberglass or pleated filters and changing them frequently is your best bet. These filters will not help much with indoor air quality but should help to protect your equipment.

Are AC filters necessary?

In fact, air filters are completely necessary if you want to have a functional AC and a healthy home. Here are just a few of the things that can happen if you don't use an air filter in your AC unit, or if you don't change it our frequently enough: Poor air quality. Damage to your air conditioner.

Are premium air filters worth it?

Yes, in general, the more expensive air filters are more effective, but a single person with no pets and allergies might not need as much filtration as a family of five with three pets and a child with asthma. Also consider how long your air filter will last.

How many air filters are in a home?

Each system will typically have at least one air filter. Therefore, your home may have air filters located at the air handler AND in the returns. You should check each possible location to make sure you have found all of your air filters.