When was the last time you changed your home’s air filter?
Consisting of accordion-shaped mesh fabric, the air filter plays an important role in the function of a heating, ventilating and cooling (HVAC) system by removing particulate matter from the air.
Over time, however, air filters can become clogged with dirt and debris, thereby restricting airflow and lowering your HVAC system’s performance.
So, how often do you really need to change your HVAC system’s air filter?
Most Homeowners Should Change Their Air Filter Every 60 to 90 Days
A good rule of thumb is to change your HVAC system’s air filter at least once every 60 to 90 days. When you purchase a new air filter, use a pen or marker to write the date on it. In two to three months, you should then replace it with another air filter.
By changing the air filter every 60 to 90 days, you’ll create a cleaner environment inside your home while improving the performance of your HVAC system in the process.
When to Change Your Air Filter More Frequently
There are instances, however, when you should change your HVAC system’s air filter more frequently.
If you suffer from nasal allergies – a common medical condition experienced by 50 million Americans – the standard 60 to 90 days may not be sufficient. Even small amounts of particulate matter in the air could trigger nasal allergies.
Therefore, you should consider changing the air filter at least once every 30 to 60 days if you suffer from chronic nasal allergies.
You should also change your HVAC system’s air filter more frequently if you own a dog or cat.
While dogs and cats offer conditional companionship, they shed a lot of fur. Some of this fur will likely end up circulating through your home’s vents, eventually reaching the air filter.
If you own a dog or cat (or both), change the air filter a least once every 30 to 60 days.
Add Bleach to the PVC Drain Line When Replacing Your Air Filter
When changing your HVAC system’s air filter, try to get into the habit of flushing the PVC drain line with bleach.
If you look below the evaporator coil inside your home, you should see a pan. This pan is designed to catch moisture from condensation that forms on the evaporator coil. Inside this pan is an opening connected to a PVC drain line, which drains the moisture outside your home.
If the PVC drain line becomes clogged, the floor around your evaporator coil could flood. A simple way to prevent this from happening is to pour 1 cup of bleach down the PVC drain line each time you change the air filter.
If you need help replacing your air filters or cleaning out your PVC drain line, call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and help.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
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