12 Signs You Need to Change Your HVAC’s Air Filters
Your home’s HVAC system plays a huge role in keeping your family comfortable and healthy. To ensure optimal performance, you must keep an eye on the air filters and replace them when needed.
After a while, these filters become clogged with dirt that can reduce airflow and efficiency. Knowing the signs that it is time to change your air filter can help you avoid costly repairs or energy bills due to inefficient operation of your HVAC system. Changing your filters should be done routinely and fairly often, but here are some telltale signs that it’s long overdue.
1. Unusually High Energy Bills
Most homeowners are always looking for ways to save money, and one area where you can cut costs is by reducing your energy consumption. If you notice a creep in your energy bills even though your usage hasn’t changed, it could be a sign that your HVAC’s air filters need to be changed.
After some time, dirt and dust can build up on the filters, making them less effective at doing their job. As a result, your HVAC system has to work extra to circulate air, hence using more energy and driving up your utility bills. By changing your filters regularly, you can keep your energy costs down.
2. Poor Indoor Air Quality
A stale or stuffy smell in your home could be caused by dirty filters, which prevent fresh air from circulating properly. In addition, if you or someone in your family has been suffering from frequent headaches, dizziness, or respiratory problems, it could also be due to poor air quality. This is especially true if the symptoms dissipate once you leave the house. By changing your filters regularly, you can help create a healthier environment for your family.
3. Frequent Repairs
If you start calling for repair services more often than usual, it could signify that your HVAC’s air filters are not being changed often enough. Dirty filters can cause various problems, such as reduced airflow and increased stress on the motor.
As a result, your system may break down more frequently, costing you more money in repairs. By changing your filters regularly, you can help reduce the number of repairs you need and save money in the long run.
4. Short Cycling
This occurs when your system turns on and off more frequently than normal. It often happens because the filter is clogged, preventing adequate airflow. As a result, your system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, causing it to cycle more frequently.
This can also cause premature problems to your HVAC that can lead to expensive repairs down the road. If you notice that your system is short cycling, it’s a good idea to inspect the air filter and see if it needs to be replaced.
5. Strange Noises
Dirt buildup leads to the vibration of filters when the system is running. As a result, you may hear rattling, buzzing, or clicking sounds from your vents when the furnace or air conditioner is turned on. In some cases, this can also lead to parts becoming damaged or worn out prematurely.
Sometimes, these noises can be so loud that they echo throughout the house. If you’re concerned about the noise level in your home, changing the HVAC’s air filters is a good place to start.
6. Excess Dust in Your Home
If you’ve noticed an increase in dust on surfaces throughout your home, it could be because dirty filters are not trapping airborne particles as they should.
In case of an increase in dust around your home, check and change your filters as soon as possible. Otherwise, all that dust can be recirculated back into your house, worsening indoor air quality and exacerbating any existing allergies or asthma symptoms.
7. Weak Airflow From the Vents
After some time, dirt can build up on the filters and reduce the air flowing through them.
You can detect weak airflow by placing your hand near the vent and feeling a lack of air coming out. It will also take longer than usual for a room to warm up or cool down. If you notice such symptoms, you can contact a professional to check the filters and recommend a change.
At Aace's Heating, Air Conditioning & Swamp Coolers, we offer various HVAC services, including air filter replacement for the Victorville, CA area. Our experienced technicians are available to inspect your system and replace dirty filters, so you can rest assured that your home is as comfortable and healthy as possible.
8. Signs of Wear and Tear
Look for visible signs of damage, such as tears, holes, or rips in the filter material. You should also check for excessive dirt buildup on the filters. If they look noticeably darker than usual or if you can see particles through the material, then it’s time to replace them. Doing so can help protect your system from further damage and maintain optimal performance.
9. Temperature Swings Throughout Your Home
If certain rooms are always too hot or too cold, it could be a sign that your air filters are dirty and need replacement. In addition, if you find that you’re constantly adjusting your thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature, your air filters are likely the culprit.
Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, making it difficult for your HVAC system to operate effectively. By changing your air filters regularly, you can ensure that your HVAC system can provide consistent temperatures throughout your home.
10. Worsening Allergy Symptoms at Home
Dirty filters can cause allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander to circulate through the vents and worsen existing allergies or asthma symptoms.
If you or someone living in your house suffers from allergies or asthma, you might notice a significant improvement in their symptoms after replacing the air filters. Doing so can help reduce the number of allergens and pollutants circulating through the air in your house, resulting in improved health.
11. Mold or Mildew Growth
Mold spores can circulate through the system and grow if dirty filters are not replaced promptly. You may also notice an unpleasant musty smell throughout your home, which is another indication of mold or mildew growth.
If these symptoms occur, check the filter and replace it immediately. This will prevent further damage to your system and stop mold or mildew growth before it has a chance to spread.
12. Your HVAC Is Overheating
This is one of the most common signs that it’s time to replace your HVAC’s air filters. When the air filter is blocked with dirt, dust, and other debris, it restricts the airflow to the unit. This puts a strain on the system and can cause it to overheat. In some cases, the unit may even shut down due to overheating. If you notice that your HVAC unit is running hot or that it shuts down frequently, it’s a good idea to check the air filters and replace them if necessary.
Contact Us Today
At Aace's Heating, Air Conditioning & Swamp Coolers, we offer various HVAC services, including installation, maintenance, and repair of heating and air conditioning equipment. We also handle indoor air quality concerns, ductwork issues, and swamp coolers. Of course, we also inspect equipment and take care of filter replacement. HVAC air filters are an important component of any home heating and cooling system because they help clean the air while allowing for proper circulation. Keeping your filters changed regularly is key to maintaining optimal equipment performance and avoiding costly repairs.
Contact us today to keep your home comfortable all year round.
