4 Signs It’s Time to Change Your HVAC System’s Air Filter

Winters days in Sugar Land, TX, are fairly mild. However, winter nights are chilly, with lows averaging in the 40s that require you to use your furnace. Changing its filter is essential to efficient operation and good indoor air quality. Here are four signs it’s time to change your HVAC system’s air filter:

Allergy or Asthma Flareups

One sign that it’s time to change the air filter is the impact it has on your indoor air quality. When air filters become clogged, dust, dirt, pet dander, and other contaminants circulate throughout your home, aggravating allergies or asthma and impacting your health.

Dust Near Air Vents

Another sign it’s time to change your air filter is when you see dust near the air vents. You can check this by looking at the wall around the air vents, but sometimes you can’t tell if it’s dusty or if you have a dirty wall. One way to check for certain is to hang a plain white paper towel about 5 inches away from a vent for an hour to see how dirty it becomes.

HVAC Failure

Clogged air filters put a strain on your HVAC system as the air can’t pass through them. Not only does this cause the HVAC system to work harder, but the dust buildup affects the components as well. Eventually, this strain causes your system to stop working, which is why professionals recommend annual maintenance.

Inadequate Heating

Even if your HVAC system operates, it may not function properly. If you experience cold spots in your home, a dirty air filter is typically the culprit as it causes the HVAC system to work harder. You shouldn’t have to bundle up in your home just because you have a dirty air filter.

If you’re having issues with your HVAC system, don’t wait until your it needs repairs before taking action. Contact Conditioned Air today to experience how preventative HVAC maintenance makes a difference in your home comfort.

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