Signs You Need To Change Your Home Air Filter

Are you feeling like your home is a bit stuffy? It could be time to change your air filter. Knowing when to replace a filter is important for keeping your air clean, so it’s important to be aware of the signs that you need to change it. Keep reading to learn more about the signs you need to change your home air filter.

Changing Your Air Filter

One of the most important elements in keeping your home air clean is regularly changing your air filter. The air filter serves to capture dust, pet dander, pollen, and other airborne particles that can circulate through your home if left unchecked. When it comes to knowing when you need to change your home air filter, there are a few warning signs you should look out for.

Weak Airflow

The first sign that it’s time to change the filter is if the airflow from vents has become noticeably weak or diminished. This typically happens as the old filter becomes clogged with particulates and restricts proper air flow throughout the house. Replacing an outdated or clogged filter will restore normal airflow levels and improve overall indoor air quality in no time at all.

Strange Odors

Another tell-tale sign is when strange odors start emanating from HVAC vents throughout rooms inside the house even after leaving windows open for ventilation purposes. This could mean that mold spores have started growing on a dirty or wet surface within ductwork. So, switching out your current aging filter may help alleviate this issue by reducing moisture buildup over time due to additional filtration capabilities offered by newer models in today’s market.

Pet Dander and Pollen

If you notice that allergens such as pet hair, dander, or pollen appear more frequently around furniture or household items, then it might be wise to check (and potentially replace) any current air filters. They gradually wear down over time and lose their ability to effectively trap these contaminants from entering into living spaces inside homes where family members spend the majority of their time.

Increase in Energy Costs

Another one of the main signs you need to change your air filter is if you notice an increase in energy bills without any other explanation. This could be due to reduced airflow caused by a clogged or dirty air filter causing an inefficient performance of the unit which would lead to higher electricity costs. If your filter is dirty, then your HVAC unit will have to work harder in order to maintain the temperature of the room. Working harder will require the use of more energy, hence, the increase in utility costs.

Visible Dirt Buildup and More Allergens

Another key sign that indicates you should replace your home’s filters is visible dirt buildup on walls near ductwork outlets or registers in different parts of the house; this happens when particles accumulate over time due to a lack of proper filtration from a worn-out filter which leads these particles settling into nearby surfaces instead of being removed by regular cleaning cycles provided by newer filters with better efficiency ratings. Moreover, if allergies suddenly worsen while indoors despite no recent changes in lifestyle, then it could mean airborne allergens have become trapped inside due to poor filtration.

Overall, regular maintenance of a home air filter is essential to maintain clean air quality in the home and to ensure the proper functioning of the HVAC system. Without regular filter changes, air quality can suffer and costly repairs can arise. It is important to pay attention to warning signs that a filter needs to be replaced, such as an increase in energy bills, an uncomfortable temperature in the home, and an increase pf dust in the air.