When Did You Last Change Your Air Filter?


When Did You Last Change Your Air Filter?

When you think about the most crucial elements of your HVAC system, the air filter is probably not something that immediately springs to mind. However, they are an essential component that helps your HVAC to run smoothly and to keep the air you breathe clean! Unfortunately, since air filters are out of sight, many homeowners forget all about them until something goes wrong, and they have to book HVAC maintenance in Knoxville!

Let’s take a look at why cleaning and/or changing your air filters are a big part of HVAC maintenance in Knoxville and what happens if you neglect them!

Why Are Air Filters Important?

Did you know that, on average, we spend 90% of our time indoors? That means that indoor air quality can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. The air filter on your HVAC system plays a large part in helping to filter out dirt, dust, allergens, and other pollutants, making the air you breathe cleaner and healthier! A dirty AC can accumulate bacteria and other pathogens and, in extreme cases, lead to Legionnaires’ disease or hypersensitivity pneumonitis. At a minimum, a dirty air filter can irritate asthma and other respiratory illnesses. You must replace your air filter as part of your regular HVAC maintenance in Knoxville.

Is Your HVAC System Overworked?

When your air filter is clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, it will likely cause your HVAC system to have to work much harder than usual to maintain the correct airflow. With your HVAC system kicking into overdrive, it will soon overexert itself, resulting in much more frequent HVAC maintenance in Knoxville. This can create a number of problems, including the following:

  • When a dirty air filter lowers the efficiency of your HVAC system, it has to overcompensate, which can result in an increase in your utility bills.
  • With an air filter clogged, other elements of your HVAC system may become damaged, resulting in more frequent HVAC maintenance in Knoxville.
  • Dirty air filters can affect the output of clean air in your home. It can also become something of a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

When Should I Change My HVAC Filters?

How often your air filters need to be changed depends on a number of factors. Some lower-cost filters need to be changed every 30 days, while another more high-end filter can last for up to 6 months. However, as a general rule of thumb, your air filter needs to be changed every 90 days as part of your regular HVAC maintenance in Knoxville. However, you may want to adjust this schedule based on the specifics of your household. For example, if you have anyone in the home with asthma or respiratory illness, it may be better to change the filter more frequently - every six weeks or more frequently may be the best schedule. Similarly, if you have pets who shed, like cats and dogs, you will also want to change air filters more frequently. You will particularly want to pay attention to their seasonal shedding patterns when the filter will collect more hair.

Remembering When to Switch Out The Filter!

For many homeowners, not changing the filter is not willful neglect of the HVAC system - they forget when it needs to be done! There are a number of strategies that can be used to help you remember when it is time to switch out the filter. One of the most straightforward solutions is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance in Knoxville in Spring and Fall and have your HVAC technician swap it out then. However, if you need to change them more often, there are several tricks you can use to stay on top of your maintenance. Some of these include the following:

  • When you install a new filter, write the date on the edge so you can tell at a glance how long it has been since it was last changed.
  • Set a reminder on your phone or in whatever calendar you use.
  • Use a visual test - if some of the fabric of the filter is still visible beneath a light layer of dust, it still has some use. However, if the dust is so heavy that the fabric is obscured, it is time to replace the filter.

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Gent Heating and Cooling provide heating and air conditioning for residential and commercial clients in Knoxville, Knox County, and the surrounding East Tennessee area. Over 20 Years experience. Customer Service is Our Top Priority. We strive to be on time, provide accurate estimates, and have most replacement products on our service vehicles.

Call 865-213-9202 or email office@genthvac.com

www.gentheatandcool.com