4 Signs Your HVAC Filter Needs Replacing

Your air conditioner’s filter is probably the last thing on your mind, even if you’ve literally just turned up the AC. However, your air filters are key to the AC doing its job effectively, and an old or clogged filter can affect its performance and its operating life in a variety of ways.

Unfortunately, few of us are checking the state of our air filters as often as we should, much less replacing them as required. That’s why you should know the four signs your HVAC filter needs replacing.

The House Has Poor Air Quality

When an air filter is clogged, it can’t filter the air as well as it used to, and that can exacerbate allergies and asthma. The air isn’t being circulated in the home as often as it should, so dander, dirt and even mold colonies inside the home aren’t removed as quickly. What happens when that occurs? You may find that your asthma is worse inside than outside, or you may suffer symptoms like headaches and eye irritation. The symptoms aren’t just physical, either. One sign that this is due to the aging air filters is when smells linger longer than they used to. A fresh air filter can help resolve or reduce these issues.  

People from all around California's capital are often facing this issue and it's usually right around the time of pollen season as well. This is their queue to reach out to AC filter installation services in Sacramento and get them replaced or cleaned. Most people are unaware of the fact that air filters should be regularly checked since they can cause various health issues.

Your AC Works Harder and Longer to Do the Same Job

A clogged air filter doesn’t let as much air through, yet the air conditioner still tries to maintain a certain level of airflow and pressure. Thus, it will then work harder and longer to do the work that takes a fraction of the time and energy when you have clean air filters in place.

If you notice a performance drop, like your house taking longer to get cool, check your air filters before you assume there is a refrigerant leak. Additionally, one of the best ways to tell if your AC unit is overworking is to check its temperature. All you need to do is touch the back of the unit. If the filter is dirty and clogged up, you’ll often notice that hot air is escaping through the back. It’s one of the signs that you should be replacing it immediately.

It's critical to catch these indicators early - an AC working unnecessarily hard will wear out faster. This will break the compressor and other moving parts sooner than you expected.

You Can’t Remember the Last Time You Did It

Air filters need to be changed once one to three months (for cheaper filters) up to once every 6 months (for premium filters). This frequency will depend on how often you use the air conditioner, the required quality of air in your home, and the quality of the air filter in place. For example, smokers who buy cheap fiberglass filters will need to replace the air filter every month. On the other hand, someone who rarely turns on the HVAC system and uses pleated filters may manage to go six months without changing them.

Many people are reluctant to replace their air filters as often as required because of the cost or hassle involved. Fortunately, you can save money on air filters by buying them in bulk online, especially if your HVAC system isn’t a standard size.

If you have that issue, you can find virtually all sizes in one, two, four, five and six-inch thickness on filterbuy.com. That makes it one of the few places where you can purchase a 21.5x23x1 inch air filter or the small 6.875x15.875x1 inch filters used in small vents inside your home. They offer many filters that are direct replacements for many brands of HVAC systems, with better performance at a better price.

It Looks Dirty

By now, you should be ready to do a quick quality check of your filter. If it looks dirty or dark, it needs to be replaced. A grey, brown, or black air filter needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Dark black splotches or green areas indicate mold growing in the air filter; this is a sign it needs to be replaced, as well. Finally, if it is ripped up or frayed, it should be replaced given gaps allow unfiltered air to pass through.

If you see any of these signs, replace your air filter as soon as possible. Consider it an investment in your HVAC equipment and personal quality of life.

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