The Best HVAC Filter Replacement Frequency for Summer Energy Efficiency
There are some universal truths about summer, like how there’s nothing as great as jumping into a cold pool on one of our signature Sacramento super hot summer days. Or, even better, how waiting for a 50/50 fruit freeze in the long line at Gunther’s Ice Cream is always worth it—no matter how long it takes.
But then there are other truths about the summertime in California that are just a little bit less straightforward. For example, in our area we have very hot summers that often necessitate running our ACs… a lot. And it’s in part because of our scorching summers that we have to change our HVAC filters very regularly. This is an unassailable truth, but it’s also a little more complicated than that.
One question that I’ve found a lot of homeowners don’t know an easy answer to is: What is the best HVAC filter replacement frequency in summer for energy efficiency at home? We’ve talked in the past about how important air filters are, not just for your HVAC system, but also for the quality of air in your home. We’ve also discussed what happens if you don’t use an AC filter and the best furnace filters for allergens. But, we haven’t talked recently about how frequently they should be changed—so let’s get to it now!
The Basics of HVAC Filter Replacement Frequency in Summer
The best HVAC filter replacement frequency in summer can range from every 30 days to every 3 or 4 months. The exact answer depends on factors like:
- The size of your home
- How often you use your cooling system
- The overall general air quality in your home.
Air quality is, in turn, affected by things like window age, nearby vegetation, and even your pets (more on that later).
The best HVAC filter replacement frequency in summer can range from every 30 days to every 3 or 4 months.
My recommendation to determine your ideal filter replacement frequency is to have an experienced HVAC tech out to take a look at the unique situation in your home. He or she can assess a number of relevant factors and give you a precise estimate of how often you should change your HVAC filter, especially in the summer months when it’s needed most. Many local HVAC companies, like Bell Brothers, offer free estimates, so I’d reach out to a local HVAC tech today if you think it’s probably time to replace your air filter in your air conditioner.
Choosing Your HVAC Filter Replacement Frequency in Summer
When it comes to identifying the best HVAC filter replacement frequency in summer for your unique home, as I mentioned above, there are a number of variables to consider. To figure out what sort of frequency is right for your home and your family’s health, here are some questions I typically ask my customers:
- Does anyone in your home have allergies? If so, you need to change your air filter more frequently. A newer air filter will do a better job keeping mold and dander that irritate allergies out of your home. If you answered yes to this question, I’d recommend that the best HVAC filter replacement frequency in summer is between 4 to 6 weeks.
- Do you have a pet? Pet’s are great; I couldn’t live without my dog and cat. But the simple reality is that they all shed, putting fur, hair, and dander into your HVAC system. If you answered yes to this question, I suggest changing filters every 6 to 8 weeks, or bumping up your timeline even further if you answered yes to the first question as well.
- Do you have young children? If so, you probably know that they’re more sensitive to things in the air like allergens or mold. If you answered yes to this question, I recommend changing your filter every two months, minimum.
If you answered yes to all three of the questions above, I highly suggest swapping out your filter every month on the nose.
The Best Type of Replacement HVAC Filter for Summer
Now that we’re all experts on the best HVAC filter replacement frequency in summer, I think it’s worth briefly mentioning what the best type of filter might be for your home—especially if, as we discussed above, you have pets or allergies. Filters are a great way to combat the sneezing and other sinus issues.
Filters are a great way to combat the sneezing and other sinus issues.
When it comes to determining the best type of filter for your home, you need to be well-versed in things like Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV ratings, as well as in what size of filter fits your AC and furnace. Now, if you don’t know much about either of those things, don’t worry! A trained HVAC pro can help fill you in. I suggest reaching out to one today.
That’s a great start for determining the best filter replacement frequency in summer. It’s an important topic to be sure, lest you end up suffering from sneezing and sinus pain, neither of which is ideal, especially when there’s so much do around Sacramento in the summer. Our experienced techs at Bell Brothers would love to help you out this summer so that you can get back to sitting by the pool or enjoying refreshing fruit freezes from Gunther’s.
At Bell Brothers, we’re proponents of the whole home approach to health and efficiency, including filter replacement best practices. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home consultation.
Wondering how to finance a new furnace, or maybe even new windows and plumbing? HERO is a unique financing option that helps California homeowners afford energy efficient upgrades to their home. Contact Bell Brothers, a HERO-approved contractor, to learn more. Our local HVAC, plumbing, and window specialists will walk you through the entire process, from applications to installation.
Image courtesy evgeny atamanenko