When Should I Change My Air Conditioner’s Air Filter at Home?

Occassionally we’re asked what is the best thing that Fort Lauderdale area homeowner’s can do to maintain their air conditioning and heating system between their regular tune-ups? It’s a simple question with a simple answer; remember to change the heating and air conditioning air filter. Replacing furnace and return air filters is extremely important to the proper performance of your HVAC system, not to mention your home’s air quality. Studies show that indoor air pollution is in the top five environmental health risks? We know it’s the last thing on your mind, but this is really important stuff. Changing the air filters is not all that hard for most Fort Lauderdale homeowners, but there are typically two obstacles to actually accomplishing this task: 

1. Knowing just how often to replace your furnace or air conditioner filter. 

2. Changing them when you’re suppose to. 

When To Change Your Air Filters 

Most filters have a recommended guideline on the wrapping. It may instruct “Lasts up to 3 months” or “Change filter every 90 days”. Check out the filters at the store and you’ll notice that some are designed to only last a single month, while other manufacturers (like Honeywell) have released media air cleaners with filters meant to be exchanged once every 6-12 months. The standard seems to be once every three months for most higher quality filters, but we have a rule of thumb that we tell our readers to go by. If it’s dirty, change it! A dirty air filter can contribute or cause damage to costly components, like your compressor, so it’s best to change it out more often than to let it go. If you want to follow the manufacturer’s recommended limit, we suggest scribbling the date on the filter when you swap it out, and programming a reminder for yourself in your phone or on a calendar. Also be aware that your filter manufacturer might have a different recommendation from your HVAC system manufacturer. 
 
Figuring out how often to change your air filters hinges on several factors: 

• Which air filter your system requires 
• The collective air quality of your Fort Lauderdale area home 
• Pets – Birds, cats, dogs, hamsters (do you have one?), etc. 
• Occupancy of the home 

• The level of air pollution and construction around the home 

For your standard 1″-3″ air filters, the OEM specs basically tell you to change them every 30-60 days, which is actually a great rule of thumb. Still, general rules aren’t always for everybody. If you have to tolerate light to moderate allergies, you might need to upgrade your air filter or change them even more often than OEM specifications. On the other hand, if you’re in a less populated area, own a seldom occupied home (like a vacation home) or an area with few automobiles and trucks, replacing your air filters each year may be quite sufficient. Why do pets matter so much? They have a tendency to shed, which can clog your air filter fast. Clearly, the air filter is just doing its job by containing pet hair and dander, but tremendously dirty filters can cause weak HVAC performance. 

In summary: 

• Seldom used home or single occupant homes without pets or allergies: Change 6-12 months 
• Typical suburban home without pets: Change every 90 days 

• Got a cat or dog: Change every 60 days 
• More than one pet or have allergies: Change every 30-45 days 

How To Remember To Change Your Air Conditioner’s Air Filters 

Here’s an easy way to stay on top of this; sign up for the Service Experts Email Club. This is a great to receive discounts on service, tips and other helpful information directly to your email. Plus, your email subscription preferences let’s you set a reminder to change your Fort Lauderdale area home’s air filter every 30, 60, 90, 120 or 365 days, or any date you find most convenient. 

How to replace your return air filter 

Most of you know how to replace the air filter in their equipment, but some houses have an additional filter in the return vent. Whether you have one or not is dependent on what your unit’s manufacturer recommends. Your HVAC is made to handle a certain amount of pressure in your home, and the more filters you have the harder the blower motor works, which can reduce the life expectancy of your system if it isn’t designed for it. Discovering whether you have a return filter and replacing it is a piece of cake: 

• Find your return air vents. 

• Some covers have screws and some have tabs. Unscrew or pull tabs to take off the wall. 

• Look for a filter. If one is there, pull it out and write down the size. 

• Verify the filter type is the one recommended by the manufacturer. 

• If the filter is dirty, replace with the manufacturer’s recommended filter of the same size and type. 

Amazing as it may seem, filters can dramatically impact your home’s airflow, which is why we recommend asking the manufacturer. A more expensive HEPA filter that is designed to catch smaller particles will restrict airflow more than a cheaper filter. With restricted airflow comes more pressure on your system, so you should verify that your HVAC system was made to handle it. Otherwise, you could experience lowered heating and cooling efficiency in your home, and HVAC parts may wear out much faster than normal.