June 24, 2021
Does it feel like your HVAC filters are always clogged, no matter how often you clean or replace them?
Constantly clogged filters, black filters, and filters that get dirty again after two weeks or less can be extremely frustrating, and you probably want to solve this problem as quickly as possible. But before you can do anything to prevent dirty filters, you need to find out what’s causing them to clog.
Here are some of the most common causes of clogged HVAC filters:
The Seasons Are Changing
The more often you run your heating or cooling equipment, the more air gets cycled through, and the more airborne contaminants get trapped in the filter. So, when the seasons change and you start using your air conditioner or furnace more frequently, your filter may start to clog quickly due to the increased use.
The Filter Is Low-Quality
There are a lot of different HVAC filter types, and as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Lower-quality filters tend to clog quickly and may need to be cleaned or replaced more frequently as a result.
Your Fan Is Set to “On”
Thermostats typically have two settings: “on” and “auto”. If it’s set to “auto”, the fan will only run during a heating or cooling cycle, but if it’s set to “on”, the fan will run constantly, causing the filter to clog more quickly. Thankfully, this is an easy fix—just switch the fan setting back to “auto”.
There Are a Lot of Contaminants in Your Home
Your HVAC filters pull contaminants like dirt, dust, pet dander, and mold spores out of your indoor air, and the more contaminants there are in your air, the quicker your HVAC filter will clog. This can be exacerbated by housework that kicks up a lot of dust and renovation work that brings contaminants into your home.
How to Prevent Clogged HVAC Filters
Routine HVAC maintenance is the best way to prevent clogged and broken filters. HVAC filters typically need to be cleaned or replaced every 30 to 90 days, depending on the system and type of filter. Check with your manufacturer to find out how often cleaning or replacement is recommended, and make sure you’re keeping up with this important task.
In addition to regularly cleaning your filters, you should have your HVAC equipment inspected and tuned up by a professional once or twice a year. With regular maintenance visits from the pros at Russell’s, you’ll be able to keep your HVAC system running smoothly, and if a problem arises, we’ll catch it quickly and recommend the necessary air conditioning repair or furnace repair.
Our tune ups are much more than a simple HVAC filter replacement service—they include testing, a full precision tune up, and professional cleaning. Plus, as a maintenance plan holder, you’ll get perks like discounts on repairs, priority scheduling, and more!
