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Regular maintenance is a mandatory part of keeping your home in an efficiently functioning condition. If not done in a proper and consistent manner, it could lead to problems that will be highly agonizing and financially costly. Most of the maintenance works around the house look simple and not paid much attention to. These minor issues when ignored at the right time, turn into and painful expense. One of such maintenance tasks is to change your HVAC filter. It’s a simple and inexpensive task but when ignored to be dealt with later it can easily damage the system as well as be an obstacle in your home comfort.

What Goes Wrong with a Dirty Filter

Every HVAC system uses some type of air filter or screen to prevent larger particles (up to 40 microns) from entering the system and clogging sensitive machinery.  A system with a dirty filter can suffer from different situations. Like reduced air pressure and even complete blockage of air flow. This will put tremendous pressure on the machine as the system will work harder to keep the home air conditioned. This undue stress on the mechanical parts in turn on the whole system can lead to a complete system failure. In another case a dirty filter exposed to moisture can lead to mold growth that can spread throughout the facility via the HVAC. This can have serious health consequences, in addition to the damaging effect to the HVAC system itself.

About Filters

Most HVAC and furnace filters are disposable, made of biodegradable paper or similar media, and shaped in cells, screens or fins designed to trap as much airborne debris as possible.  Filters can typically be purchased in economical multi-packs, and there are many types that will fit different models of furnace/HVAC units.  It’s important to use the appropriate filter for your unit; using the wrong filter that doesn’t fit the unit properly can create the same types of problems as having a dirty filter.  Your HVAC installer can show you where the filter goes and how to remove the old one and install a new one.  Your unit may also have an affixed label with directions for easy filter replacement.

How Often Should you Change Your Filter?

In an ideal practice, every HVAC system requires a detailed servicing at least once a year. The reason is that your HVAC system contains movable and rotating parts and components and their health depends on timely checking up on their well being. It is important that belts are not cracked and dry, ventilation ductwork is not gapped, cracked or rusted, and components, such as coils and fans, are clog-free and adequately lubricated. In the same view, an HVAC system that tends to get an year round usage should have its filter replaced at least every three months, and must be cleaned out regularly.

Check your filter’s condition and change every Three Months if:

• You run your unit six months a year to year-round.
• Have pets at home.
• You have a large family.
• Indoor Smoking.
• If you have someone at home suffering from allergies or a respiratory condition.
• You live in an area prone to or having recently experienced any wildfires. Airborne ash outdoors will eventually find its way indoors.
• You have a fireplace that you occasionally use.
• You live on a working farm or ranch.
• There is construction taking place around or near the home. New construction causes too much dust which can be sucked into the home’s ventilation system, and this increased activity can tax your HVAC system.

Change the filter immediately if:

• The filter is damaged in any way.
• If the Filter is damp.
• There is evidence of microbial growth or mold on the filter. As mentioned earlier that this could result in severe health consequences.

Tips on Changing the Filter

• Turn off the unit before replacing the filter.
• Use the right filter for your unit
• Make sure it’s not damaged out of the package.
• Follow the directions for your unit to make sure you’re installing the filter properly.  For example, many filters use different colors for the front and back, so make sure you install the right filter on the right side.
• Make sure there aren’t any gaps around the filter frame. This could happen if you have the wrong size filter, or the filter itself may be damaged.
• Use a rag to clean up any residual dust before and after you replace the filter.
• Securely replace any levers, gaskets and/or seals.
• Note the date of filter replacement to make it convenient for the next replacement.

Call an Expert for servicing if:

• Your unit fails to turn on.
• The fan is slow or is making unusual noise.
• Coils are excessively dusty or clogged.

Change your HVAC Filter is a simple exercise that every homeowner with just a slight understanding can carry out on their own. This DIY can help prevent system downtime and avoidable expenses, as well as keep your family families healthy and breathing clean air.

HiTech FM is one of the top MEP Companies in Dubai & ElectroMechancial Companies in Dubai offering services such as Electrical Services in Dubai, Plumbing Services in Dubai, Painting Services in Dubai, Commercial HVAC Preventive Maintenance, , AC duct cleaning Dubai, AC repair services in Dubai, , handyman services, Annual Maintenance Contracts and many more. With strict adherence to international standards we deliver professional and high-quality services. At HiTech FM, a home maintenance company in Dubai we make lives easier. If you are facing any of the above issues feel free to contact us. We are just a call away – Call Us +971 50 22 33 864.