How Can You Tell If Your Air Filter Needs to Be Replaced?

If you’ve been having trouble cooling or heating your house recently, dirty air filters may be interfering with the performance of your HVAC system. If you’ve changed your air filters and the issue remains, you should call a professional HVAC specialist. Here are a few signs that let you know it’s time to replace your filter.

1. Your air conditioner is overheating

If the filter is filthy, you may also notice warm air coming from the rear of the unit. Dirty filters can put a lot of pressure on your air conditioner, resulting in damage, expensive repairs, and a shorter lifespan. Replacing your filters regularly helps improve the useful life as well as the efficiency of your HVAC system.

2. A rise in utility costs

At least half of your energy expenses are attributed to your heating and cooling systems. Dirty air filters can obstruct proper airflow in your HVAC system, forcing it to work harder to attain your target temperature. When this occurs, it uses more power, resulting in higher utility costs. If you’re using your HVAC system the same amount, but your energy costs are rising, it’s a good indication there is something going on. If your filter is clean and you continue to have problems, it might be a good time to start looking into replacement as well.

3. An increase in allergy or asthma in your home

The necessity of updating air filters in the house, according to experts, cannot be overstated. It’s significantly more crucial to keep up with HVAC filter replacements if someone in your home suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. When allergy or asthma sufferers in your house begin to experience their symptoms more often, it is a good indication that your filters may be long overdue on their replacement.

4. Increase in the dust around the air vents

Your HVAC filters may be clogged if you see a build-up of dust around your air vents. You may do the “white sheet test” to see whether your filters are dirty. For an hour, just lay a clean white sheet approximately five inches away from the vents. If the sheet ends up with dust and other particles on it, your HVAC system could use a good cleaning.

Conclusion

HVAC systems need air filters to perform efficiently and help improve air quality. If your air filters are clogged, airflow in your heating and cooling system will be restricted, leading to improper cooling and premature failure. As a consequence, you will be uncomfortable, and your energy expenses will skyrocket. Contact us today to see how we can help you maintain your HVAC system in the Tampa area!