Hollis, NH Homeowner Asks For Advice

Most air filters in an HVAC system need to be changed every three months. Higher-end pleated filters can last as long as six months. Homes with pets may need to have their filter changed more frequently. Dirty air filters can affect the indoor air quality of the home, as the dirt, dust and pet dander catch in the filter and are recirculated through the home’s heating and cooling.
A homeowner in Hollis realized that he had not been diligent about changing his home’s air filter. Wondering how frequently this should be done, he contacted the Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. team.

Indications that It is Time to Change Your Air Filter

The air in your home will continue to circulate even through a dirty air filter. This can contaminate the air, leading to nasal and breathing problems for those living in the house. It can also damage the HVAC system as the system has to work harder to pass the air through a dirt clogged filter. If you notice a reduced airflow coming from your heating or air conditioning, a dirty air filter may be to blame. This can also cause your electric bill to increase, as the system loses efficiency because of a clogged filter.

It is a good idea to check your air filter monthly. If the filter is excessively dirty or clogged, replace this with a new filter. One of the factors that can increase the frequency of changing your HVAC system’s air filter is having pets in the home. Pet shedding and dander can circulate through the ductwork, getting stuck in the HVAC system’s air filter. As this accumulates it can quickly lead to a dirty filter.

If someone in the house suffers from asthma, or other breathing problems, or if there are young children in the home you may want to change the air filter more frequently. This will help to ensure that your indoor air quality is excellent, and that contaminants are being filtered out of the air in the home.

The Hollis resident now has a better understanding of how frequently to change his air filters and has marked this in his calendar to make sure it doesn’t get missed in the future.

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