No, you’re not having deja vu we just did a vlog on common HVAC misconceptions. However, we got so many reactions already and questions, that we decided there was one particular misconception that needed some extra attention. So much so that it needed a vlog of its own.
Honestly, all the questions we got about this topic don’t surprise us. Did you know that an overwhelming amount of trouble calls we get are due to dirty air filters? Having a clogged air filter may seem like no big deal but it can do so much damage to your system.
And here’s where the rub is, the air filter for most systems is kind of out of sight out of mind. You don’t see it unless you really pay attention to it. Often, by the time you do take a look, it’s been clogged for way too long. If you still think having a clogged air filter doesn’t really affect your system, imagine trying to breathe through a tiny pinhole in a bag that’s over your head. What do you think is going to happen eventually?
Sure, at first it may not seem that bad just a bit restricted. But eventually, the end result is not going to be good. That is exactly what you’re doing to your HVAC system when you don’t replace the air filter. You are slowly choking the life out of it causing it to fail early. Your HVAC system is a major investment, so wouldn’t you want to prolong its useful life as much as possible?
Your HVAC System Needs To Breathe
The HVAC system is probably the most important component in your home when it comes to making it comfortable. When an HVAC system is running efficiently that means it’s also creating less wear and tear on the unit itself. Many people don’t realize though, that having a clogged air filter is one of the most overlooked ways to kill your air conditioning system.
So no, changing your air filter at least every 90 days it’s not just a suggestion—it’s a requirement if you want your system to last. This is because the whole basis of your HVAC system operation it’s about air circulation. It cools your home by moving air through a series of filters. Those filters can trap pollen, dust, and other air pollutants and keep them outside of your home. This leads to much cleaner air, less restriction on your HVAC system, and less of a workload.
The best way to avoid any problems such as major failure, polluted air, and inefficient operation is to change the filter every 1-3 months. The frequency at which you change the filter depends on several conditions in your home, many factors can impact that including:
- Presence of pets in the home
- The environment your home is in
- How clean you keep your home
To fully understand why your system needs to breathe we need to circle back to basics. We may have gotten a bit ahead of ourselves. However, for those that don’t like to read a long article we wanted to get right to the point first. But, let’s look at what makes up the HVAC system and how it works. That will then give you a better idea of how this all ties together.
HVAC Basics You Need To Know
So, an HVAC system is a series of ducts that are all connected throughout your house to distribute air that comes from the core of the system. The core of your HVAC system is actually made up of two parts. Your furnace or heat pump which is used for generating heat in the winter. You also have your condenser unit located outside. It’s used to cool down the air when it’s warm. There is also a blower fan that takes the warm or cold air and pushes it through that duct network.
It’s a very symbiotic system where if one part fails it causes the entire system to be thrown off. So, if you have a clogged air filter it can throw the entire system off.
The furnace creates heat by burning fuel, typically natural gas or propane. The combustion provides the heat that is used to warm the air. It’s then circulated through your ducts by the blower motor that we discussed a minute ago.
The cooled air from your air conditioner also gets pushed through your ductwork by the same blower fan. That is why having a filter that is not restricted in any way is critical to the overall health of your HVAC system. The more it is clogged the harder the heart of the system works and the shorter its lifespan is.
Tips For Changing Your Air Filter
So, as you can see the air filter may seem like an insignificant part however it can trainwreck your entire system if not maintained properly. But just as important, is to make sure you know how to change the air filter and what type of air filter your system uses. There are two other major tips to keep in mind:
Check your filter regularly. The type of filter you have will determine how often you need to change it, all things being normal. However, keep in mind you also have to consider the circumstances in your home.
For example, if you have a pleated media filter, in normal circumstances it should be changed every three months. On the other side of that a high-end, fiberglass mat filter can go almost six months without a change. Again, we want to heavily stress that this depends on your living conditions.
If you have pets, do any kind of crafting in your house that generates dust, or lack of baseboards anywhere in the home, then you’ll be changing that filter more frequently.
Change your filter when necessary. There are times when you will look at your filter and it doesn’t look like it needs to be changed yet. Do not be fooled there could be millions of pollutants and allergens trapped inside the media that are just hard for you to see. You can’t really tell how much air is moving through that filter and how much is being blocked or restricted. Better to be out the cost of a filter from changing it prematurely, than to be out the cost of a compressor or a whole new system. Always err on the side of caution that costs less if you’re wrong.
Is Your HVAC System Running At Peak Performance?
Making sure your system always has a fresh filter when it’s due is a critical part of maintaining your system’s health. However, so is taking notice of any changes in performance or lack of cooling. If your system doesn’t seem to be performing to its full capabilities contact Oasis.
It’s better to catch a problem in the early stages than wait till it has a chance to cause a major failure. Contact us today and we’ll get a tech out to your house to keep you cool. https://atxoasis.com/contact-us/
