Changing the air filters in your HVAC system is critical to maintaining the efficiency of your system, as well as the air quality inside your building. Depending on a few things, the task can be as simple as picking up a filter or two for your home or scheduling the work through a commercial service provider. Here are a few things to consider when looking at changing the filters in your HVAC system.
- Number, Types, and quality of filters
- Ease of access to filters
- How often filters need changing
- Quality service
Should you change them yourself?
Chances are when talking about your home HVAC system, you can find a decent filter out in town and replace it yourself. Most home systems these days use one to two paper filters and are easy to replace. When looking at large commercial areas and buildings however, the number of filters can make the job much more time consuming and difficult. Additionally, air filters vary in both type and quality.
From cheap paper filters to reusable mesh filters, there are a number of varieties available to suit different needs; from high activity systems and large areas to smaller areas and less used systems. Making sure you acquire the air filters that suit your needs can save you money in energy savings, and maintain your air quality most effectively.
Depending on the complexity of your HVAC system and the number of filters, getting to the filters themselves can be a difficult task. Unlike in residential areas, commercial HVAC systems could have a number of filters in different sizes in different locations. Ultimately, it is recommended to leave the servicing of larger systems to commercial service providers.
The general rule of thumb for changing out air filters is every 90 days or 3 months. This rule is based on average allergens, foot traffic, and pollutants. The more congested that your filters become over time will affect the efficiency of your system, your air quality, and even the life of your HVAC system if it is not maintained properly. It is suggested that you pick a date every three months for changing your filters to avoid any issues.
Whether you have a commercial or residential HVAC system, changing your air filters is an integral part of maintaining your system. For professional insight and service, give us a call at 408-295-2182.