The Air Filter Needs Changing: How to Do It RightYou may not realize it, but your air filter is central to your entire HVAC system. One of the most important maintenance jobs you can do on a regular basis is to inspect and change the air filter to keep your system running at a high level.

Why You Need to Change Your Filter

Understanding the effects of a dirty filter will keep you motivated to stay on top of your filter’s condition. Your filter is one of your primary lines of defense against contaminants in your air like dust, mold, bacteria and more. When any mechanical equipment starts to get clogged, its efficiency decreases. This means that more of these particles make it through to your system and into your air.

Another issue is that your blower motor has to run at a higher level to maintain a sufficient level of airflow through your ducts. This is because a clogged filter leaves less room for air to pass through. This extra wear and tear can lead to expensive failures in the future, but also contributes to a less efficient system.

Inspecting and Changing a Filter

Pulling out your filter is a simple task, although your technician should have showed you anyway. If you are having trouble, refer to the owner’s manual for instructions. The inspection itself is also easy: hold it up to any bright light and try to look through it. If you are having difficulty seeing the other side, it’s time to change the filter.

You can expect to have to change your air filter every one to three months, but you should be inspecting it at least once a month. Choosing a replacement filter is an important decision. Although you may be tempted to pick one with the highest minimum efficiency reporting value, make sure it is compatible with your system first by checking the owner’s manual. If the new filter doesn’t fit correctly, it will impact your system’s performance and air quality.

If you have any questions about changing the filter in your Los Angeles home, please contact Around the Clock Air Conditioning & Heating.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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