Serving Greenwood, Fishers, Carmel, Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas

January 9, 2023

How Often to Change Air Filter in House: A Professional’s Answer

Here are a few questions we receive frequently:

  • How often should I change the air filter in my HVAC system?
  • Do you really need to replace your air filter?
  • How do I know when my air filter is dirty?

Yes, you really do need to replace your air filter, but the frequency varies from household to household and depends on a number of factors such as lifestyle, how often dirty shoes are wandering throughout your home, pets in the household, dust-producing projects, the list goes on and on. We don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all frequency of replacing your filter because every household is unique.

Although you might not need to replace your filter every month, our recommendation is to check your filter once per month and replace it if it’s dirty. Your filter may appear clean even when it’s dirty, so it’s important to take an extra step when inspecting. To ensure your filter is being replaced when needed, go to your filter access, take the filter out, and perform what we call the “light check”. Hold your filter up to a light source, such as a lamp or flashlight, and notice if there is any light shining through the filter. If you can see a decent amount of light, then you do not need to replace this filter and can plan to check it next month. If very little light is shining through, it’s time to replace the filter.

Do you struggle to remember to check your filter? A tip that we give people to help them remember is to bundle this activity with another significant monthly activity, such as the day you give your pets their monthly medications, the first of the month, the day you pay your bills, etc.

Your filter is what keeps dust, debris, and particles from circulating through your system and home, keeping your home cleaner and your system working more efficiently. When you don’t change your filter often enough, the airflow through your system is diminished, forcing your system to work harder to circulate air. Over time this can damage your system, shorten its lifespan, hinder efficiency, and cost you more on your monthly energy bills.

We have been serving the residents of Central Indiana for over 20 years and we are dedicated to serving our fellow Hoosiers. If you are located in Central Indiana, we can provide you with a thorough inspection of your equipment, along with an honest opinion regarding the best fit for your home. We also offer annual maintenance plans to help keep your system running smoothly and consistently, no matter the season.

Contact us at Complete Comfort Heating Air & Plumbing in Greenwood, IN, today for more information on heating, air conditioning & plumbing service. Call us at (317) 648-5133.

Author Bio:

Brittany Katterjohn

Brittany is a marketer, entrepreneur, and writer with previous business development experience in the home maintenance industry. She currently manages the marketing for Complete Comfort Heating, Air & Plumbing and has a passion for helping people by simplifying seemingly complicated topics related to home maintenance and repair.

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