It’s a simple maintenance task, but many people forget to do it. Changing the filter on your HVAC in Visalia, CA is essential for proper system functioning. Homeowners should check the filter once a month to see if it should be replaced. Typically, filters should be replaced at least every 90 days. However, certain conditions may require more frequent filter replacement.
If you notice your filter gets dirty more quickly than average, this could be due to one or more factors. Following are a few of the most common reasons an HVAC contractor in Visalia, CA encounters dirty filters:
-
Pets: Do you have pets in your home? The filter on your HVAC in Visalia, CA is designed to capture debris and prevent it from entering your system. With pets wandering around, shedding constantly, it only makes sense that you’ll find more debris in your filter. One low-shedding pet may not make a large impact, but more than one pet in the home or those that are high-shedding definitely make a difference.
-
Foot traffic: How much traffic do you experience coming in and out of your house? Do you host a lot of guests? Are your children (and their friends) constantly in and out? All of this traffic brings in particulates and kicks up dust in your home. The result is a dirtier filter in your HVAC system. The bad news is, you have to change the filter more often. The good news is, your house is full of life and fun activity!
-
Smoke particulates: Does anyone in your household smoke? Have you had any crazy kitchen misadventures? Smoke, ash and burned debris easily float through the air of your home and end up on the filter of your HVAC in Visalia, CA. If you experience any fire mishaps or if smoking occurs regularly in your home, be sure to check your filter more often. Change it frequently to avoid the need to call an HVAC contractor in Visalia, CA for repairs.
-
High-quality filter: What size filter are you using? One-inch pleated filters get dirty faster than cheaper, thicker pleated filters. The tighter filter is designed to catch more. The “holes” between the netting are very small, so they let fewer particles into your system. While this is a good thing, it can mean more frequent filter cleaning or changing.
-
Duct leaks: Have you inspected your ductwork recently? Leaks in the return ductwork allow dust to be pulled in from areas like attics or crawl spaces. The extra dirt accumulated from these areas can quickly clog a filter. If your system has not been serviced recently, ask a certified HVAC contractor in Visalia, CA to inspect your ductwork for leaks.
Changing the filter on your HVAC in Visalia, CA is a simple, affordable way to extend the life of your furnace and enjoy more efficient operation. You’ll save on utility bills and furnace repairs. If you think your filter requires more frequent changes than normal, don’t hesitate to contact your local HVAC contractor in Visalia, CA. A quick inspection can determine if there is a problem that should be addressed, before major repairs are needed.