How Often Should I Replace My Air Filter?

If you own a home and have been enjoying reliable cooling, you may think you’re all set and don’t need to worry about your air conditioning filter. After all, if the air quality is strong and feels great, then isn’t the filter fine?

Not necessarily. The air filter is there to protect your Denver, CO, air conditioner and keep dirt and debris from building-up. If you neglect it, you could end up with a big problem on your hands that could compromise the integrity of your HVAC.

The heating and cooling experts are always here at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical to help with your air conditioning maintenance in Denver, CO, repair, replacement, and installation. We also have all the insights you need about your air filter and air conditioning care. So read on or reach out to our Denver HVAC experts today!

What Does an Air Conditioning Filter Do?

Like all air filters, your air conditioner’s air filter is designed to remove contaminants from the ducts’ air flow that might otherwise threaten the system. Dust and other kinds of debris that are carried through the ducts on air currents are captured when they meet the filter in the return duct of the system. The more debris that the filter accumulates, though, the more clogged it will become.

How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?

Generally, it’s recommended to change your air conditioning filter every 30 to 90 days, or every 1 to 3 months. However, this can vary based on several factors:

• Usage Intensity: If you use your AC heavily or have an older system, you may need to replace the filter more frequently.
• System Age: Newer HVAC systems and those used less often typically require less frequent filter changes.
• Allergies: If anyone in your home suffers from allergies, you’ll need higher air quality, necessitating more frequent filter changes.
• Air Quality Indicators: Persistent musty smells or other signs of compromised air quality indicate the need for more frequent replacements.
• Pets: Having pets means more frequent filter changes due to increased dander and hair.
• Location: Filters in vacation homes away from cities or highways can be changed less often. Conversely, living in a dense urban area or near a major roadway requires filter changes every 20 to 30 days.
• Filter type: Depending on the quality of the air filter you’re using, the rate at which you’ll need to change it will vary:
  • Fiberglass: These economy panel filters are what homeowners typically use, but they are not particularly efficient and should be changed every thirty days.
  • Pleated: These filters are up to 60% more efficient than their fiberglass counterparts because they contain significantly more fiber per square inch and can last anywhere from three to six months.
  • Electronic: The most expensive option, this filter is the most efficient in collecting dust and other airborne particles as it utilizes an electric charge as opposed to just fiber. These filters last for up to six months.

If you live alone with no pets, you might only need to change your air filter every 6 to 12 months since there’s less dirt and dust accumulation. However, if you have a family and pets, changing the filter every 20 to 30 days is advisable to maintain optimal air quality.

How to Change Your AC Filter

Step 1: Get a Replacement Air Filter

First, ensure you have a replacement air filter ready. If you’re unsure which type your system needs, consult the heating and cooling experts at Bell.

Step 2: Locate the Air Return Duct

With the replacement filter in hand, locate the air return duct on your air conditioner. This is where your home’s ducts connect to the system. There should be a latch or cover housing the air filter. Open this cover and carefully slide out the old filter. Take note of the arrows on the side of the filter and their direction.

Step 3: Insert the New Filter

Remove the old filter and slide the new one into place, ensuring the arrows on the new filter point in the same direction as the old one.

Step 4: Secure the Cover

Close and secure the cover.

That’s it! You have successfully changed your system’s air filter. You should notice a slight uptick in the efficiency of the system, especially if the filter hasn’t been changed before. Now you just need to make sure that you do that every few months to keep the air conditioner functioning properly.

Investing in AC System Maintenance

There’s more to maintaining your AC system than just your answer to the question, “How often should I replace my air filter?” To maximize the efficiency and longevity of your AC, you should invest in a regularly scheduled maintenance program.

Preventive AC maintenance, for example, can make your system up to 40% more effective and 90% less likely to develop problems. If you’re looking for something you can do personally to make sure that your system stays in good condition, though, remember to change your air filter on a regular basis!

Call Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical for AC Maintenance Help!

Regularly changing your air filter is crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient HVAC system. By considering factors like usage, allergies, pets, and location, you can ensure optimal air quality. Keep your system running smoothly and reduce energy costs by staying on top of filter changes.

For expert help in the Denver Metro area, contact the HVAC specialists at Bell today!