HVAC Filter Maintenance for Heating and Cooling Systems for Homes

HVAC filter Maintenance is not something you want to ignore, Check your filter now! Deferred maintenance of heating and cooling systems is one of the most common issues I find during my heating and cooling inspection. So, what’s the big deal with changing my filter? Believe it or not, your 5.00 to 20.00-dollar air filter can cause you some major expensive headaches if you do not change it on a regular basis.

A clogged air filter means air restriction into the HVAC unit which means your furnace or air conditioner cannot move enough airflow thru the system. This condition causes your HVAC system to work harder, this means more energy is used which will increase your utility costs. Eventually, the fan motor can burn out, resulting in overheating and failure of the entire system. The HVAC system is designed for a specific amount of airflow so the system can perform as intended.

When inspecting heating and cooling systems for homes I often find that multiple air filters are installed. This is incorrect, most heating and cooling systems for homes only require one filter. Larger homes may have multiple returns which means multiple filters. Some systems may have a media filter (large thick filter) typically located at the HVAC unit in the closet or in your attic.

FILTER LOCATION: Depending on when your heating or cooling system was installed will determine where your filter is located. Your filter is typically located not too far from your thermostat. Typically, in the ceiling on the wall, under the furnace in a closet or in the attic at the HVAC system.

Dirty air filters can lead to dirty ducts, any dust or airborne particles that cannot be stopped at a clogged filter can collect on you’re A Coil inside the unit or pass thru into your ducts, which means you may need a duct cleaning service more often.

Links below for different Air Filter Merv ratings: