Replacing your home air filters are essential. The air filters help maintain the HVAC system’s health and efficiency. A clogged or dirty filter can lead to many problems including premature failure of the entire HVAC system. Air filters should be changed every one to three months. In extreme environments, filters should be changed monthly. However, if you find you are changing your air filters every two to three weeks, there is a serious problem. There are a number of elements that can clog an air filter fast. However, some of these factors can be easily remedied. Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing will share what causes air filters to clog prematurely.
Pet Hair Clogs Air Filters
One source that can cause filters to clog quickly are your pets. Pets such as dogs and cats shed hair and the hair then becomes airborne. This hair often gets sucked up into the air filters. Especially when your pets go through a shedding cycle, the hair becomes much worse. You may find yourself changing the filters more frequently during their shedding cycles. To help reduce the amount of pet hair, remember to brush your pets weekly and keep their hair vacuumed up.
Thermostat Fan set to “ON” Makes Air Filters Dirty
On a thermostat there are two settings: “on” and “auto.” Often as it heats up many home owners will put their thermostat fan to “on” and as a result the fan is running continuously. If the fan runs continuously the more hair and dust is sucked up into the air filters. Not only are your filters overwhelmed with debris, you are also wearing down the air conditioner and increasing your monthly bill. Even when it’s hot put the fan setting on “auto” to properly regulate the air inside the home. However, even on “auto” the air conditioner may run more often during periods of extreme heat which will clog the filter sooner.
Higher MERV Rating Restricts Air Flow
Air filters have a MERV rating. The higher the MERV rating the easier it is for smaller particles to be trapped. For many this sounds good; cleaner air! However, most home HVAC systems are not designed for high MERV rated filters. Residential HVAC systems can handle MERV rated filters between 1 and 12 with the recommended rating for cleaner air between 7 and 12. However, the higher the rating the quicker the filter will clog. If you are using a MERV rating higher than 12 you are only stressing the air conditioner, increasing your power bill, and cleaning filters every few weeks.
Clogged Air Filter Due to Dust Exposure
Windows and doors with poor insulation that have large gaps around them allows dust to flow through their home. As more dust comes into your home, it will clog the filters more quickly. If you notice your home is dusty all the time inspect your home’s exterior doors and windows for gaps or leaks. You may need to replace weather stripping around the doors and windows. Also, make sure the windows are sealed when they are shut.
Central AC Repair, Tune Up Maintenance & More in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
If you find you still have dirty filters after working through these common problems, contact an HVAC technician. There may be a problem in the air duct system. For quality HVAC and plumbing services contact Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today.
