As a homeowner in the DMV, you know how important it is to keep your home’s HVAC system running smoothly. Arguably, one of the most important components of this system is the air filter. The air filter is responsible for trapping contaminants like dust, dirt, pet hair, and even skin cells! By pulling these things out of the air, the filter prevents them from entering your home and affecting what you breathe. Air filters, tragically, don’t last forever and need to be replaced regularly or they just stop working. But how do you know when it’s time to replace your filter? In this post, we’ll cover what to look for, and how to check if your HVAC air filter needs to be replaced.
Signs Your Air Filter Needs Replacing
There are several signs that your air filter needs to be replaced, including:
1. Reduced air flow: If you notice that your HVAC system isn’t blowing air as strongly as it used to, it could be a sign that your air filter is clogged. A clogged air filter can restrict the flow of air, making it harder for your HVAC system to do its job.
2. Increased energy bills: If your energy bills have gone up recently, it could be a sign that your air filter is clogged and making your HVAC system work harder than it needs to.
3. Unpleasant odors: If you’re noticing unpleasant odors coming from your HVAC system, it could be a sign that your air filter is dirty and needs to be replaced.
4. Dust and dirt buildup: If you notice that there’s a buildup of dust and dirt on your furniture or floors, it could be a sign that your air filter isn’t trapping all the contaminants it should be.
If you suspect your filter isn’t working at its best anymore, checking it to confirm is super easy.
To check your air filter, follow these 5 simple steps:
1. Locate your air filter: The air filter is usually located near the return air duct or the blower unit of your HVAC system. Protip: The return duct is the air that goes into the system, not the air that cools or heats your home.
2. Remove the air filter: Once you’ve located the air filter, simply remove it from its slot. Protip: It should slide out very easily, if it doesn’t, that could indicate that it wasn’t seated right to begin with, reducing the lifespan of the filter
3. Check for dirt and debris: Hold the air filter up to a light source and inspect it for dirt and debris. If the filter is noticeably dirty, it needs to be replaced. Protip: the picture below on the bottom shows what a clean filter looks like. If yours looks like the one on the top, it’s time to replace it!
4. Measure the filter: Measure the air filter to make sure you’re getting the correct replacement size. Protip: Nearly all filter brands print the measurements on at least one side of the filter. Before pulling out the tape measure, take a quick look and save yourself some time!
5. Replace the filter: Once you know the filter size, replace it with a new one of the same size. Protip: Bring a trash bag into your HVAC room so your not dropping that nasty, potentially harmful, dust all over your house as you take the old filter to the trash can!Checking and replacing your HVAC air filter is an important part of maintaining your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. If you already have a filter of the right size, this whole process should take you less than 3 minutes! By following those 5 simple steps, you can ensure that your air filter is doing its job of trapping contaminants and keeping your home’s air clean and fresh. This can also really lengthen the lifespan of your system, saving you thousands of dollars in repairs or replacements. Make sure to check your air filter every three months, or more often if you have pets or live in high-dust areas.