How Often Should You Change your Air Filter?
A quick guide on how often you should change your heating and air system’s air filter.
Fort Worth, TX – Air filters are one of overlooked items to be cleaned or replaced in a home. If you ask any heating and air technician what the most common reason for problems experienced with HVAC systems most will tell you it is due to homeowner negligence in replacing air filters.
When you do not regularly replace your home’s air filter you are not only decreasing the service life of your HVAC system, but you are also increasing the risk of breakdowns and electrical usage. On top of that you are also decreasing the indoor air quality in the home which can cause illness among you, your loved ones, and pets.
Determining how Often to Change an Air Filter
Below are listed factors that will help determine how often you should change your air filter:
However, it does not stop here. The above is just some of the common reasons many professionals will suggest in determining how often an air filter should be replaced. There are however many more measures that should be included in determining how often to replacement an air filter such as:
More than 50% of deaths from pneumonia among children under the age of five were directly linked to indoor air pollution.
The Health Risks of Air Pollution
Studies have shown that people who live, work, or attend school in areas that are close to major road networks have an increased likelihood to developing serious health issues. Health problems such as asthma, and cardiovascular disease.
Air pollution can even affect expecting mothers and their babies. Air pollution has been linked to low birth weights, pre-mature births, reduced lung function, impaired lung development and even premature death in children.
Homes, businesses, and schools that are located within 1,000 – 1,600 feet from major road networks are the ones that will be most vulnerable to traffic-related pollution. It is estimated that anywhere between 40 – 50% of people in the United States live and work in such areas.
How Often Should I Replace My Air Filter?
Manufacturers usually state that you should replace basic air filters that range from 1” – 3”, every 1 to 2 months. If you or anyone else in the household suffers from light to moderate allergies, you should install a better air filter such as a HEPA filter if your system supports it or replace them more regularly.
If you live in the countryside far away from major road networks and other nearby air pollutants, you may be able to get by replacing the air filters every 6 months to yearly.
Below is a guide to help you ascertain how often you should replace your air filter. The amount of people living in the home and pets will further increase how often the air filter should be changed. The graph below is based upon a household of 2 adults, 2.5 children and 1 pet. The only location that will not see a change is vacation homes since most people will spend a month or less in a vacation home yearly.
Keep in mind that this is only a guide and not exact science. Many factors can change how often a filter should be replaced. Your professional HVAC technician will be able to better assist you whenever you have your next maintenance.
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