HVAC maintenance is not just a matter of having a technician come give your system a tune up. There are important things that you need to do on a regular basis to keep your heating and cooling system at their best. One of the simplest – and most often overlooked – is changing the filters.

How Do You Know When to Change Your HVAC Air Filter?

There are a number of signs you can look for that indicate it’s time to change your HVAC air filter:

• Have you noticed your energy bills going up?
• Does it seem as though your system isn’t functioning as efficiently?
• Have you had an increase in allergy symptoms while inside your home?
• Have you noticed dust around your air vents?
• Does your filter look dirty when you pull it out and look at it? 

How Often Do You Really Need to Change Your AC Filter?

The lifespan of an AC filter is often denoted in a recommended number of days on the packaging: 30, 60, or 90 (1, 2, or 3 months). That is merely the starting point.

A number of factors can shorten or lengthen that lifespan. The size of the home whose air is being filtered is important… as are any ongoing environmental factors. The presence of house pets adds a large number of particulates to the air and shortening the filter’s life even further.

Do You Need to Change HVAC Filters in Winter?

You certainly do need to change air filters in winter. Since your HVAC moves air through your home year-round, that means that your home air filter is removing particulate matter year-round as well. Whether heating or cooling, the filters should be changed at roughly the same schedule.

What Happens If HVAC Air Filters Aren’t Changed?

The continued buildup of contaminants can clog your filter if left unattended. This can cause both short- and long-term issues the longer they are left unchanged. As more detritus accumulates, it blocks airflow and can cause your HVAC system to work harder to move air through the home. This not only puts a strain on the equipment, but also drives your energy bill higher in the process.

Additionally, the more clogged the filter becomes the more contaminants it fails to remove. This increases the amounts of allergens and pollutants you breathe. Worst of all, if left unattended too long this stress and strain can lead to an eventual failure of the entire system.

Tragar Home Services, Serving Long Island for More Than Five Decades

Since 1956, Tragar Home Services has provided efficient and cost-effective services for the heating, cooling, and plumbing needs of Nassau and Suffolk County residents. In addition to maintenance and installations, Tragar Home Services averages a two-hour average response time for emergency services, the fastest response time in the Long Island area. Contact us today and see why Trager Home Services is Long Islander homeowners’ choice for 5-star service.