{"id":28,"date":"2020-04-15T07:35:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-15T07:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/discountfilters.com\/blog\/?p=28"},"modified":"2024-05-10T09:30:19","modified_gmt":"2024-05-10T13:30:19","slug":"7-obvious-signs-you-need-to-change-your-air-filter-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.discountfilters.com\/blog\/7-obvious-signs-you-need-to-change-your-air-filter-at-home","title":{"rendered":"7 Obvious Signs You Need to Change Your Air Filter at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Did you know that the quality of the air in your home can\u00a0have a huge impact<\/a>\u00a0on your physical health? If you\u2019re suffering from unexplained headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or irritation of your eyes, nose, and throat, your dirty air filter could be to blame! \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A dirty or clogged air filter is often a source of indoor air quality problems. The good news is, it\u2019s very easy to fix. The hardest part seems to be remembering to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a\u00a0seasonal home maintenance checklist<\/a>\u00a0and changing your filter on a schedule is a great idea. However, if that\u2019s not your style, then you\u2019ll want to make sure you know how to recognize that it\u2019s time to change out your filter. Start with these seven telltale signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. You Can See Dirt on the Filter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most obvious sign that you need a new air filter is if the one you have is gray and dirty. Make it a point to pull the air filter out and take a look at it at least once every other month. If it looks dirty or dusty, replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will help ensure that you can proactively take care of the issue before it causes poor air quality or other problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Your Home is Dusty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Have you noticed that your home is dustier than usual? If so, the air filter might be to blame. The purpose of an air filter is to pull dirt and dust out of the air before it circulates through your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it\u2019s full, the dust won\u2019t get caught and will instead accumulate throughout your house. In particular, you might notice dust accumulating around your air vents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. You\u2019re Having Allergy Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you or a loved one suddenly starts having allergy symptoms \u2013 like a sore throat, red eyes, or a runny nose \u2014 you\u2019ll want to take a look at your air filter. If the air filter is clogged, it can start to create pressure within your HVAC system, which can force outdoor allergens into your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few days after replacing it, you should start to feel some relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. You Notice a Strange Smell<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A burning smell coming from your HVAC unit can be a sign that the air filter is dirty and clogged. It\u2019s also possible for mold or mildew to accumulate in your air filter. Any time you notice a strange smell in your home, don\u2019t ignore it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Your AC Unit is Hot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A clogged air filter will cause your HVAC system to work overtime because it has to use more force to push the same amount of air through the filter. If you notice that the unit is hot to the touch, check the filter right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you change the filter and the unit still isn\u2019t cooling down, call a technician to come to take look at it. You may have a bigger problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. You Fail the \u201cWhite Sheet Test\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wondering if you\u2019re having issues with your air filter? Hang a white sheet right in front of your air vent. The dirtier the sheet gets, the bigger an indication that you need a new air filter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. You Can\u2019t Remember the Last Time You Did It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Generally, your home air filter needs to be replaced anywhere from once every one to six months, with the average being every three months. If you can\u2019t remember the last time you replaced it, then you\u2019re probably overdue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Things That Impact Replacement Frequency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It would be easier if all air filters needed to be changed on a set schedule, but, unfortunately, there are a lot of variables that impact the frequency with which a filter needs to be changed. For example, if you smoke or have pets in the home, your air filter will get dirty much faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Filters with low\u00a0MERV ratings<\/a>\u00a0need to be changed out more often. Your filter also tends to get dirtier during peak use. So, there\u2019s a good chance that you\u2019ll need to change it out more often in the dead of winter and when the summer temperatures start to climb. It\u2019s often a good idea to check your filters once a month during these peak times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Change Your Air Filters?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not only can a dirty air filter make you sick, but it\u2019s been proven that clean air leads to\u00a0better physical and mental health. Beyond that, however, there are some\u00a0other compelling reasons why you need to replace a dirty air filter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n