Keeping your HVAC filter clean and up to date is a small step that can make a big difference in your home’s comfort, efficiency, and air quality.
Your HVAC system plays a vital role in keeping your home comfortable year-round. One small but incredibly important component of your system is the air filter. It may seem like a minor detail, but neglecting your HVAC filter can seriously affect your system’s efficiency, air quality, and even your wallet.
Contact us today to schedule a service or to learn more about how we can keep your HVAC system in top shape.
Why Is Replacing Your HVAC Filter Important?
The primary job of your HVAC filter is to trap dust, dirt, pet dander, and other airborne particles before they can circulate through your home. Over time, filters become clogged, making it harder for air to flow through your system. This can lead to:
- Reduced Efficiency: A clogged filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, which can increase your energy bills.
- Poor Indoor Air Quality: St. Louis is no stranger to allergens like pollen and mold spores. A dirty filter won’t trap these effectively, leaving you with unhealthy air.
- Wear and Tear on Your System: Restricted airflow puts extra strain on your HVAC system, potentially leading to costly repairs or premature replacement.
How Often Should You Replace Your HVAC Filter?
The frequency of filter changes depends on several factors, including the type of filter you use and your home’s environment. Here’s a general guide:
- Standard Filters (1-2 Inches Thick):
- Replace every 30-60 days.
- Ideal for most homes, but if you have pets or allergies, stick to the lower end of this range.
- Pleated Filters (2-4 Inches Thick):
- Replace every 90 days.
- These filters are more efficient at capturing smaller particles but can still clog up faster in homes with pets or smokers.
- High-Efficiency Filters (HEPA):
- Replace every 6-12 months, depending on usage.
- While these filters last longer, they’re often used in systems designed for high air quality control, such as in homes with severe allergies.
Factors That May Require More Frequent Filter Changes
- Pets in the Home – Pet hair and dander can quickly clog an air filter. If you have one or more furry friends, consider replacing your filter every 20-45 days.
- Allergies or Asthma – A clean filter is essential for maintaining good air quality if someone in your home has allergies or asthma. Replace the filter every 30 days to minimize irritants like pollen, dust, and mold.
- High Pollution or Dust Levels – Living near a busy road, construction site, or in an older St. Louis neighborhood with more dust may require changing your filter more often.
- Seasonal Changes – During peak heating and cooling seasons (summer and winter in St. Louis), your HVAC system runs more frequently, so your filter may clog faster. Check and replace it more frequently during these periods.
How to Check Your Filter
Checking your HVAC filter is simple and only takes a few minutes:
- Turn off your HVAC system.
- Locate the filter (typically near the return air duct or the blower compartment).
- Slide the filter out and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, it’s time for a replacement.
Need Help? Contact Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating!
Replacing your HVAC filter is one of the easiest ways to keep your system running efficiently, but sometimes, more comprehensive maintenance is needed. At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re proud to serve St. Louis and the surrounding areas with expert HVAC services, including maintenance plans that take the guesswork out of filter replacements.
24/7 Service Call Now
At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we pride ourselves in being a locally owned and operated HVAC company. With more than 30 years of experience and a master technician and mechanical engineer as our owner, we can replace, repair, and provide maintenance for your business or home’s HVAC system.