Having your HVAC system serviced regularly by a professional (once a year is recommended) is essential to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. However, the HVAC filter will need to be replaced a lot more often, if not, this could have a very negative impact on the homes air quality. How do you know when it’s time to change the filter?
Naturally a lot will depend on how much use the HVAC system gets but, as a general rule, you want to think about replacing it every 3 months. It is also a good idea to replace it more often than that under certain circumstances. For example, a large family or household with pets usually produce more dirt, dust and pet dander so it would be recommended to change the filter as often as once a month. This would also be advisable in homes where family members suffer allergies or if there are smokers indoors. Outside conditions have their effects on indoor air quality also. If you are living in an area where you are surrounded by agriculture or if construction is going on around you, it would also be advisable to change your filter more often. If wildfires have been in the area, you would also want to change the filter.
What if you notice the filter is damaged or has become damp or wet? Then you should change the filter immediately. Damaged or wet filters can affect the homes air quality and turn it into a hazardous environment as toxins such as mold spores etc. could begin circulating in the air. So, it’s clear to see the need to change your HVAC at least every 3 months and, in certain circumstances, even more often than that.
