Changing your HVAC filter on a regular basis is one of the simplest ways to protect your system and your home. Experts recommend replacing it every one to three months to keep everything running smoothly. There are three key reasons for this: 1. It improves system efficiency. Even a small buildup of dust can reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency by up to 30%, which will increase your energy costs. 2. It extends system lifespan. A dirty filter forces your system to work harder, leading to unnecessary wear and shortening its 10- to 15-year lifespan. 3. It improves indoor air quality. An HVAC filter is designed to capture dust, hair and skin particles. Without regular filter changes, these things circulate throughout your home and affect the air you breathe.

3 Reasons to Change Your HVAC Filter

By Marcus Muller General Manager of Hassler Heating &amp; Air Conditioning, LLC Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

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Video: Assessing Filter Options

In maintaining your HVAC system, there are multiple options for filters you can use. Today, we're in El Cerrito with Diamond Certified expert contributor Tim Hassler of Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning to learn more.

Until recently, it was industry standard to install these one-inch fiberglass filters for your heating system. These filters do have some problems; they're very inefficient. They're really only good at filtering out very large particles. This is actually an example of a MERV 13 filter that we recommend upgrading to. It's a four-inch pleated filter, and it does an excellent job of filtering out most dust particles and pollens. At least 60 times more efficient in filtering out particles.

For those of you that have problems with allergies, you might want to consider an air purifier. This is an example of one, and it has a pleated filter and an electrostatic filter. So, this does an excellent job of filtering out down to the size of viruses and even bacteria.

Another important consideration is to make sure you do change your filter regularly. If you know you're using the system a lot, you may have to change the filter as often as once every one or two months. If you use it very rarely, maybe once a year. But it's something you definitely should monitor because the system is going to operate much better if you do have a clean filter.

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