How often should you change HVAC filters?

Thursday 24th November 2022

Within commercial businesses, HVAC filters are commonplace across different industries, so keeping them maintained regularly is important to ensure they are in good working order. Having effective HVAC filters is crucial to lowering energy bills and preventing further maintenance issues. Filters in HVAC systems assist in maintaining indoor air quality and temperature, as well as removing dust, pollen, dirt, debris, and other contaminants.   

Knowing exactly how and when to change it can save you time and money on professional repairs. How frequently you should replace your commercial HVAC filters can depend on a number of factors. Find out below what you need to consider to ensure your HVAC filter is performing at its best.  


Why do I need to change a HVAC filter?

If a filter is left to accumulate dirt and debris over a sustained period, then the filtration will cease to work effectively, as the filter will have to work much harder to provide the same level of filtration. Consequently, the building's airflow will be reduced, and energy costs will rise. Equally, if the dwelling is located in an area where the outside environment contains poor air quality, then the HVAC filter will need to be replaced more frequently.   

Clogged or dirty filters can cause many problems, particularly with the adequate cooling and heating of a building. Air is restricted from flowing through a filter properly, causing overheating and severely reduced energy efficiency. An HVAC system may shut down if it becomes too hot within the heat exchanger. Water damage and damage to heat pumps can occur due to a limited amount of airflow, causing coolant buildup and which freezes the evaporator coils. This will incur major repairs to your system, something which is costly.   

Depending on your filter, some industrial filters can unload particles if they are not changed, which would expose people within a building to an increase of polluted air particles, creating health issues if they are exposed over a sustained period. Therefore, it is important that you purchase filters that are well-designed.  


How to check your HVAC filters

You should check your filter on a monthly basis to ensure it is working correctly. You will be able to tell from the level of dirt or debris whether your filter is dirty and needs replacing or not. Once you have done this a few times, you should have a good idea of how long your filters last before they require replacing. 

To check the filter effectively, hold the filter up to a source of light, and if the light does not pass through, then the filter is clogged and will require a change. Keeping the environment as clean as possible will inevitably make your filters last longer.
  

How to change HVAC filters

HVAC units will usually have instructions that guide you on how to change a filter. However, most filters follow the same steps as we have listed below:  

  1. Ensure the power is disconnected or switched off - typically, HVAC units will have a power box on the side.
  2. Remove the access panel to enable access to the filter.
  3. Remove the old filter from the unit.
  4. Take your new filter and read the instructions to ensure it is facing the correct direction for the airflow.
  5. Once the filter is fitted, make sure the access panel is also secured.
  6. Turn the power back on, and your new filter should now be working.

HVAC filters at Filtration Ltd


Commercial HVAC systems vary, and as such, so do the filters that are required. Depending on your system, there are many filters from industry-leading brands that you can find here with Filtration Ltd.   We have a wide range of HVAC filters available for you to choose from, whatever your requirements. 

Contact us today, and our friendly team can help you choose the right filter for your needs and guide you with their expert knowledge. We specialise in providing HVAC filters for all industry needs and buildings of various sizes.

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