If you’re a homeowner, you’re probably good about checking your HVAC system’s filter to see if it needs to be changed. Normally, you should only have to change out your filter every couple months, however, if you go to check it and notice that the whole thing is covered in hair, dust, and dirt, you might be wondering what’s causing it to get so dirty so quickly. In this blog, we’re going to talk about what causes filters to get dirty prematurely and what you can do about it.
Your home is dirty
If you don’t clean your home often, you’re going to see a lot of debris building up on your HVAC filters. Your filters are collecting anything and everything that’s in your home and light enough to stick to it. You should take care to vacuum, sweep, mop, and dust every couple days and make sure to get your carpets professionally cleaned once a year. Additionally, you should make sure to clean off your blinds and difficult-to-reach areas that could be building up dust and dirt.
It’s always running
If you live in an area that’s always cold or always hot, your HVAC system may be running 24/7. If this is the case, you may have no choice but to check your filter more often and replace it once it gets dirty. If you have your fan set to “on” instead of “auto” you’ll experience this issue during all times of the year. So, if you want to reduce buildup on your filter, make sure to keep your system off for as long as possible.
You have a pet
If you have a pet, you’re going to have to spend a lot more time and money on your air filter due to how much they shed. However, there are several things you can do to reduce the amount of fur getting stuck in your HVAC filters. Make sure to take your pet outside to be groomed regularly. Also, try to vacuum the area where your pet sleeps or relaxes most because that’s where the most hair buildup will be.
Your MERV rating is high
MERV, or minimum efficiency reporting value, tells you what size of particles can be trapped in your filter. If you have a higher MERV rating, it means that smaller particles will be trapped and you’ll see a lot more buildup. Try switching to a filter with a lower MERV rating.
Maintaining your air filter is an important part of maintaining an efficient and cost-effective HVAC system. Checking your air filter once a month is a great habit to get into, however, if you notice that it’s getting dirtier that usual, you may need to take these factors into account. If you’re looking for a HVAC specialist or plumber in Essex, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Jay Mechanical, Inc. We are your source for all of your home comfort needs including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and plumbing so give us a call today for a consultation or if you have any questions.