What You Need to Know About Replacing Your Air Filter

When was the last time you replaced your home’s air filter? Especially during COVID-19, it’s important to change them often. The experts at Gross Heating & Air Conditioning break down exactly why replacing your air filter is a smart move—read it over, then call us at 262-783-6000 for more indoor air quality help.

The Importance of an Air Filter in Your Home

In short, an air filter change helps protect your health. As your furnace and air conditioner create airflow, they also circulate indoor pollutants throughout your house, including dust, dirt, and even certain viruses and bacteria. That might sound scary—but that’s right where your air filter comes into play. These simple products act as a shield against those pollutants, catching them (and possibly killing them depending on the filter style) as they pass through your ductwork and preventing you from breathing them in.

Why Should I Change the Air Filter in My Home?

As your filter catches more of these airborne contaminants, it becomes dirty and clogged. If left alone long enough, it can cause trouble by failing to trap pollutants and blocking airflow. The latter problem can create more stress on your furnace or air conditioner, as they will work harder to push air through the blockage to the rest of your house. A regular home air filter replacement solves both these problems and leads to better overall comfort and indoor air quality.

How Often Should I Change My Air Filter?

The answer depends on a few factors, but in general, we recommend you replace your air filter once every one to three months to make sure it catches contaminants and supports proper airflow. For bigger, high-efficiency filters, swap them out every six to 12 months. If somebody in the house smokes or you have pets, change your filter more often to keep up with the increase in airborne pollutants.

How to Install an Air Filter in Your House

Fortunately, the replacement process is simple:

• Turn off your heating or cooling system to prevent air from sending dust or dirt into your unit.
• Remove the current filter (you may have to remove the system’s panel to find it).
• Install the new filter in the same slot—make sure the arrows on its side are pointed toward your HVAC system.
• Replace the panel if you had to remove it.
• Turn the system back on and relax with cleaner air.

For Better Home Comfort, Turn to the Experts at Carrier® and Gross Heating

As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we know what it takes to meet your home comfort needs. If you have questions about your air filter—or are interested in adding other air quality solutions like humidifiers, ionizers, or UV lights—our pros are here to help. Call us today at 262-783-6000 or contact us online.