Do You Need to Change Your Air Filter More Frequently in the Summer?

Most homeowners know that their HVAC system’s air filter needs to be changed periodically. However, the questions of “how often should I change the filter?” and “do I need to change it more during the summer?” are still confusing for many people.

To answer these questions, it helps to understand what the filter does. When your HVAC system is on, it pulls air up from the interior of your house. The air is cooled and then returned into the home.

The downside to this system is that all the dust and other pollutants in your home get pulled up into the system, too. Filters work to catch those particles. It keeps pollutants from getting back into the air you breathe. It protects your HVAC machinery from dust and grime that might shorten its life.

However, a dirty filter does have one major problem. It forces your HVAC system to work harder, using up more energy.

With that in mind, let’s look at our two questions:

How Often Should I Change the Filter?

Most filters are good for up to three months. If you have people in your home that suffer from allergies or respiratory problems, changing your filter more often can help reduce their breathing issues because it keeps the air cleaner. If you live in a particularly dusty area, you may also need to clean your filter more often to keep your HVAC system from having to work harder and use more electricity.

Do I Need to Change My Filter More in the Summer?

At bare minimum, you should check your air filter more in the summer. Not only is summer prime allergy season, but it’s also the time when people are going in and out a lot to enjoy the summer sun. This can lead to a dirtier filter. A good rule of thumb is to check your filter once a month. Change it as needed when you check it, but a least every three months.

For more answers about air filters or other HVAC issues in your Middletown area home, contact C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 845-367-4482.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Steve Heap/Shutterstock”