Changing Your System’s Filter | Comfort Zone Atlanta HVAC
June 6, 2016

We’ve written before about the importance of regularly changing the air filter in your HVAC system during the year as part of regular maintenance. If you allow the filter on your AC/furnace to become clogged over time with dust and other debris, it will seriously cut into the system’s energy efficiency and lead to malfunctions and short-cycling.

But how often should you change the filter? This is a good question, and there isn’t a single straightforward answer. It depends on the type of filter and the circumstances in your home.

Inexpensive temporary air filters

You can purchase packs of low-cost air filters at many hardware and home supply stores, usually for $1 a piece. However, these filters (which are often made of fiberglass and consist of a flat panel) are not designed to last for long. The filters’ package will have a recommended frequency for when they should be changed. In most cases, you’ll need to change these types of filters once a month. When you put in a new filter, write the date on its side with a marker so you’ll remember the time of the last replacement.

Media filters

More expensive media filters made of superior material will last for much longer. They’re usually pleated and constructed from polyester. These filters can often stay in the HVAC system for 6 months without needing to be changed. However, you should check on the filter every month to make sure that it hasn’t become excessively clogged.

Pets and allergies

If you have pets in your home or household members who suffer from allergies, then you may need to increase the frequency with which you change the filter. First, consider going for a more expensive and effective filter, rather than the simple panel filters. Second, check the filter more often to see how much build-up is in it. A filter that usually lasts six months should probably be changed every 3 months to benefit allergy sufferers or to remove excessive pet dander.

To help your HVAC system run its best during this coming summer—and every season after that—contact Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. We service Roswell and Cumming, GA.

We service all brands

We accept the following payment types:

Looking for financing options? Special financing available.

GoodLeap QR Code
Get Started Financing with GoodLeap TODAY!!