One of the easiest ways to tell if your air filter needs to be changed is to take a look at it. Outdoor air quality can have a huge impact on how often the filter gets dirty and needs to be replaced. If you live in a big city, contaminants such as smoke, dust, and other debris will seep into your interior and clog your air filter at a much faster rate. Wildfire smoke also plays an important role, as filters need to be replaced more often after a period of smoky days with poor outdoor air quality.
Inspecting the air filter is the best way to determine if it needs to be changed. Replacing your air filter offers a wide range of benefits, including improved comfort, humidity control and better indoor air quality. During the warmer months, contaminants in your home may increase, but the air filter won't be able to trap them if it's clogged or damaged. A vacation home that you only use part-time will need fewer filter changes than a large family home with multiple occupants.
We provide year-round HVAC repair and installation services in Portland and The Dalles, Oregon, even during the pandemic. Children are more sensitive than adults to indoor air pollutants, such as mold, dust mites, dander and pollen, so make sure you use quality air filters and replace them before they become too dirty and clogged. During the mild months of spring and autumn, the air conditioning system will operate less frequently, so the filter won't get dirty as quickly. When deciding when to replace your air filter, consider all of the factors listed above.
If the filter is clogged and allows less air to pass through, it will reduce the available potential energy of the fuel, meaning that you will need more energy for the same output. If the filter is covered in dust, appears to be clogged or broken or damaged in any way, replace it immediately. In addition to reducing energy efficiency and causing indoor air quality problems, a clogged filter can restrict airflow. If changing the air conditioning filter doesn't resolve any of these issues, contact us right away for help from a professional HVAC contractor.
Pleated air filters are more expensive initially but they are also more efficient at trapping particles and can last up to 90 days depending on use. You might notice that the air coming out of the vents is warmer than it is cold or that your home doesn't heat up as easily as before.
