{"id":1632,"date":"2019-12-16T11:00:14","date_gmt":"2019-12-16T16:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.touchstoneheatingonline.com\/blog\/?p=1632"},"modified":"2019-12-16T11:00:14","modified_gmt":"2019-12-16T16:00:14","slug":"changing-air-filter-monthly-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.touchstoneheatingonline.com\/?p=1632","title":{"rendered":"Changing the Air Filter Monthly Over Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"WetThe air filter for your HVAC system is a critical component for it to operate well. It isn\u2019t there to clean your household air but to protect the interior of the cabinet from all the dust, lint, and other particles the blower fan draws in through the return air ducts.<\/p>\n

Just as important as the job of the air filter is changing the filter regularly. The filter isn\u2019t self-cleaning, so it has to be replaced with a new filter to prevent air blockage. Unfortunately, homeowners often forget to do this job, especially during the winter when the HVAC system won\u2019t run as often in the mild Florida weather. But even during winter, regular filter changes are essential.<\/p>\n

How Often Do I Need to Change the Filter?<\/h2>\n

That\u2019s a good question, and there is no single answer. It can range from every one to three months. Three months should be the absolute maximum time to wait. You may hear about expensive filters that can stay in place longer, but the cost of those filters outweighs their usefulness, and most won\u2019t be able to last for six months anyway.<\/p>\n

Our recommendation is that you make a check on the filter each month to see if it\u2019s heavily congested. Slide the filter out of the slot on the HVAC cabinet (or remove it from behind the return air vent in the house if it\u2019s not on the cabinet) and then hold it up to the light. If the filter blocks out the light, it\u2019s too clogged. Put in a new filter and use a marker to write the date you put the filter in along the plastic edge. This will help you know when it\u2019s time to check or replace the filter.<\/p>\n

In most homes, the frequency of filter changes will drop during winter because the HVAC system won\u2019t work as much. Keep checking monthly, however, so when the filter begins to clog up faster you\u2019ll know about it.<\/p>\n

What Happens If I Forget to Change the Filter?<\/h2>\n

Several problems can crop up if a clogged filter remains in place for too long.<\/p>\n