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How Often Do I Really Need to Change My Air Filter?

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Typically, homeowners follow the manufacturer recommendation for how often they should change out their HVAC air filters. That recommendation states that every homeowner should replace their air filters on a bimonthly basis, but is that enough?

Replacing air filters every two months is a good general guideline, but some individuals may need to consider changing their filters on a more frequent basis. Some factors, such as the number of pets in the home and general air quality for the city you live in, may require you to change out your filters more often than every two months.

In an effort to improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system, Gembecki Mechanical Services has compiled a list of factors that may increase the frequency with which you change out your filters.

Number of Pets Currently in the Home

Homes with only one pet may be able to get away with changing the air filters on a bimonthly basis. However, the more pets you have in the home, the more dander is produced. Keeping the filters free of dander may be difficult with more pets, which is why replacing filters on a monthly basis is recommended.

Air Quality Where You Live

Where you live plays a huge role in how often you will need to change your air filters. Areas where the air quality is poor, either due to high levels of pollen or smog, often necessitate changing your air filters frequently.

It is difficult to determine just how often you will need to replace your air filters, as the air quality can dramatically change from one section of a city to another. A regular monthly assessment of your air filters will help you determine if they need to be replaced.

Other Factors That Determine Frequency of Air Filter Changes

Number of pets and location of your home are the two main factors that influence how often you need to change your air filters. However, there are other factors to take into consideration. These factors include:

  • Allergies – especially seasonal allergies to grass, pollen and ragweed.
  • How often the heating and cooling system is actually used.
  • Air quality inside the home – does someone smoke?
  • Type of air filter installed.

Gembecki Mechanical Services offers residential HVAC maintenance services that can help you regularly maintain the air quality in your home and save you money by changing out the air filters. Call us today and let us help you determine when your air filters need to be changed!

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