The Importance of Regularly Changing or Cleaning Your HVAC Air Filter

The heat of summer is well on its way, and when it reaches its peak you’ll want to know that you’ll be able to cool your home as effectively and efficiently as possible. In order to get the reliability you deserve, you want to make sure to schedule routine professional AC maintenance, so that your HVAC technicians can thoroughly clean and inspect all aspects of your system.

In addition to professional maintenance, however, there are a few tasks you can and should take on yourself. This includes being diligent about either changing or cleaning your air filter on a regular basis. Doing so will ensure that your air conditioner continues working efficiently all season.

What happens if you skip HVAC air filter maintenance?

• Airflow becomes restricted, making your system work harder
• Energy bills increase due to reduced efficiency
• Dust buildup leads to poor indoor air quality
• System components wear out faster, shortening lifespan
• Risk of system breakdowns and costly repairs rises

Why Is This Important?

The air filter that your HVAC system comes equipped with is designed to protect your cooling system’s inside components from dirt, debris, and other contaminants that can negatively affect its performance. So if the air filter gets too clogged up, the AC system can’t do its job. It’s important to remember that even if your system is regularly maintained, once or twice a year is not often enough to change your air filter.

This will typically vary depending on manufacturer and system type, but in general, your air filter should be changed out or cleaned every 1–3 months. Three months is standard for average contaminants such as dust and pollen. You might want to do this more often though if you have significant contaminants flowing through your home, such as pet dander or cigarette smoke.

A clogged air filter can cause many problems for your air conditioner. For one, it can lead to increased airflow resistance. As a result, the cost of running your air conditioner may rise. Plus, it can cause ice to develop on your evaporator coil, which doesn’t allow the coil to appropriately absorb heat. These are just a few signs that it may be time for an AC tune-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What’s the main reason to regularly change or clean your HVAC air filter?
Answer: The filter protects your system’s internal components by trapping dirt, dust, and debris, preventing buildup that can impede airflow, increase strain, and reduce performance. It needs attention more frequently than professional maintenance alone.

Question: How often should I change or clean my HVAC air filter?
Answer: Generally, it’s recommended to change or clean your filter every 1 to 3 months. If you have pets, allergies, or smoke, more frequent changes may be necessary to maintain performance and air quality.

Question: What problems can a clogged HVAC filter cause?
Answer: A clogged filter can raise energy costs, reduce airflow, cause ice buildup on the evaporator coil, and overwork the system, leading to inefficiency and potential breakdowns.

Question: Are standard maintenance visits enough to keep the air filter in good condition?
Answer: No, while professional seasonal maintenance is essential, you still need to change or clean filters yourself every 1–3 months to keep your HVAC system running well throughout the year.

For all other professional air conditioning services in Ashburn, VA, contact AllTech Services, Inc. today.