Why You Might Need to Replace Your Air Filter More Often in the Summer

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HVAC air filter replacement is important no matter what the season. There’s no more vital upkeep you can perform on your heating or cooling system than regular filter maintenance. It’s an easy DIY procedure that only takes a few moments. If your heating or cooling system is running on a daily basis, the filter should be checked and changed according to a regular schedule. Generally speaking, the filter may need to be replaced more often in summer than in winter. Here are some good reasons why:

  • In most households, an air conditioner runs more daily hours during summer than the furnace runs in winter. The longer the system circulates air through the filter and ductwork, the faster the filter accumulates trapped particulates and filtration efficiency declines.
  • Airflow, a critical system parameter that impacts performance as well as energy efficiency and operating costs, declines rapidly as the filter becomes dirty and dusty. No matter what the time of year, a dirty filter strains the system blower. However, when the system’s in A/C cooling mode during summer, low airflow resulting from a dirty filter can also cause evaporator coil icing that may lead to expensive compressor damage and system shutdown.
  • Indoor air quality is more often an issue in summer than in winter as airborne allergens are more plentiful during the growing season. A dirty or clogged air filter may serve as a receptacle for allergens, continuously recirculating pollen and mold spores throughout the house.

The Seasonal Approach

During summer, make air filter replacement a monthly habit. Buy quality pleated fabric filters with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) around 8 for best filtration efficiency and optimum airflow. During winter, a monthly visual evaluation should be conducted. If the filter media appears dirty or dusty, air filter replacement should be made immediately. If the filter doesn’t look dirty, you may defer filter replacement to an every-other-month basis. However, never’t go longer than two months without changing the filter in winter.

For more information about air filter replacement, contact the HVAC professionals at Apollo Home Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Plumbing.

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