Did you know that the air quality in your home can negatively affect your health if you don’t keep up with proper maintenance? With all of the responsibilities that the average homeowner has, it can be easy to forget to change the air filters, especially since they are hidden from view. However, it is extremely important to remember the air filters, as they are the primary protection to your HVAC system, as well as your home’s air quality. Today we will go over when to change your air filters, according to your current lifestyle. If you find yourself in need of an HVAC inspection or HVAC repair, give our team a call at 478-960-5825 for professionals assistance.
Frequent Cleaning, Closed Windows, Non-Smoking, No Kids or Pets
Do Your Air Filters Need To Be Changed?
If you live alone, and like to keep your home sparkling clean at all times, you don’t smoke, and you don’t have kids or pets, chances are that your filters are pretty clean as well. If this situation describes you, you may be able to go an easy 6 months without changing your air filters. Be sure to check them out every 3 months though, and if you notice any unusual build up in dust or dirt, call an expert for an inspection.
Moderate Cleaning, Open Windows, Non-Smoking, No Kid or Pets
If you clean a couple of time a month, and like to enjoy fresh air in your home, that’s wonderful! Opening your windows allows fresh air to circulate, which can help prevent the buildup of chemicals such as formaldehyde, which are frequently formed by household cleaners in confined spaces. However, open windows, even ones with screens, will allow a bit of dust into the home over time. If you don’t have any additional sources of debris, such as kids or pets, you can likely benefit from a filter change every 3 months or so.
Kids, Pets, or Smoking
When it comes to kids, pets, and smoking, it is important to remember that these factors drastically change how frequently your filters will need to be changed. If you have children in the house, not only is a cleaner air quality ideal for their growth and development, but they also tend to carry in more dirt and dust, from playing outside and things of that nature. Pets, of course, while lovely to have in your home, will bring dander and varying amounts of fur into contact with your filter. Smoke from cigarettes can cling to your clothes, and the contaminants are quick to end up in the air filters. Smoking inside will of course create filter problems faster. If any or all of these apply to you, be sure to change your filter once a month for the best results.