Routine HVAC maintenance is a small investment to keep your system energy efficient, and safe. But you’d be surprised how many homeowners either don’t think it’s worth the price or isn’t necessary.

So, let’s look at the benefits you get from routine air conditioner and heater maintenance.

Cost Efficiency

Sure, routine HVAC maintenance costs money, but it’s a drop in the bucket compared to how much you’ll save by scheduling it.

The first way maintenance saves you money is by keeping your system running efficiently. The typical HVAC system loses up to 5% efficiency every year, causing it to work harder and your utility expenses to rise. Keeping your system tuned up, calibrated, and clean reduces your energy bills, and that’s money in your pocket.

The second way routine maintenance saves money is by preventing costly breakdowns and repairs. In our experience, most catastrophic air conditioner and heater failures occur because of minor problems that went unaddressed and led to system breakdown. It goes without saying, but the cost of a maintenance service call is practically nothing compared to a major HVAC repair or replacement.

Finally, routine maintenance protects your warranty. Most HVAC systems come with a manufacturer’s warranty; however, you must stay up to date with maintenance service and provide records if you ever need warranty repairs. Otherwise, you’ll pay out of pocket for the service that the warranty would have covered.

Better Air Quality

Many homeowners don’t realize it, but according to the EPA, the air in your home can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside. This is important for people with family members who suffer from allergies or upper respiratory illnesses.

Your professional HVAC technician will thoroughly clean your system and replace the filter, so the dirt, debris, dust, and pet dander don’t spread throughout the house and exacerbate allergic conditions.

Improved Comfort

You have a heater and air conditioner to keep your home and family comfortable year-round. So, when your system is in disrepair, you can drive yourself mad fidgeting with the thermostat, never getting the desired temperature or consistent heating or cooling throughout the house. Preventative maintenance like cleaning your ductwork, keeping your system in tune, and calibrating the components ensures your system works as intended to maintain your desired comfort level.

The bottom line is that your HVAC system is a complex machine, and much like your car, routine maintenance is essential for keeping it running efficiently, avoiding costly repairs, and extending its useful lifespan for as long as possible.

If you own an HVAC system, you should know that changing the filter regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep your system running efficiently and protect it from future problems. But, how often should you do it?

The short answer is that there’s no one answer that’s right for everyone; many variables determine how often you should change the filter, such as how often you run your system, how clean your indoor air is, and the quality of the filter itself.

Depending on the filter, they can last anywhere from one month up to a year, so it’s best to consult your users’ manual for their recommendation.

As mentioned, various factors determine how often you should change the filter, which we look at below.

Household Pets

If you have pets living in the house, you might have to change your filter more regularly because of the fur and pet dander that clog the filters more quickly. In general, if you have pets, you should plan on replacing your HVAC filter every one to three months.

Usage Habits

Another factor determining how often you should change your HVAC filter is how much you use your system. If you run your air conditioner and heater year-round, you can expect to change the filters more frequently than people who use their system sparingly. Also, filters require more frequent changing during the peak of summer and winter because homeowners typically rely more heavily on their HVAC during these times.

Allergies

If you have someone in the home who suffers from allergies or asthma, you’ll want to change the filter more frequently to ensure they’re getting the cleanest air possible.

If you’re unsure how often to change your HVAC filter, consult your users’ manual or call a professional HVAC technician for help.