It's Time to Change Your Air Filter - Here's How to Tell

Maintaining a healthy home environment is important, and one of the key components of this is ensuring that your air filter is in good condition. An air filter traps dust, dirt, and other airborne particles, preventing them from entering your air ducts and circulating throughout your home. However, over time it can become clogged and will need to be changed. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time for you to replace your air filter.

1. Unusually High Energy Bills

When an air filter becomes clogged up with debris, it restricts the airflow in your HVAC system. This means that your heating and cooling system has to work harder than usual in order to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in higher energy bills than normal. If you notice a sudden spike in energy costs, it could be a sign that you need a new air filter.

2. Poor Indoor Air Quality

A dirty or clogged up air filter won't be able to trap pollutants as effectively as a clean one would, meaning more dust, dirt, pet dander, and other allergens will be circulating throughout your home. This can lead to poor indoor air quality, which can cause respiratory issues for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.

3. Unusual Noises

If you hear strange noises coming from your HVAC system such as rattling or squeaking, then this could also indicate that it's time for a new filter. A dirty or blocked up filter can cause increased friction between the moving parts of the system, which results in these strange noises.