One of the most common, and preventable, causes of heating and cooling problems is a dirty air filter. In fact, many service calls we get in Cross Lanes, Charleston, WV and surrounding areas could have been avoided if the filter had simply been replaced on time. While air filters might seem like a small part of your HVAC system, they play a major role in how well your equipment runs.
Why Your Air Filter Matters
Your HVAC filter’s main job is to trap dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne particles so they don’t get into your furnace and air conditioner, or circulate through your home. When the filter is freshly installed and clean, air can flow freely through your system. When it’s dirty, airflow becomes restricted, which can lead to:
- Reduced efficiency – Your system has to work harder to move air through your system, which drives up energy bills.
- Poor indoor air quality – Dust and allergens bypass the clogged filter and enter your living space.
- System strain and breakdowns – Lack of airflow can cause parts to overheat, freeze up, or wear out faster.
What About Filter Efficiency? (MERV Ratings)
When choosing a replacement filter, you may notice something called a MERV rating on the packaging. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and it measures how well a filter captures particles. Ratings generally range from 1 to 16—the higher the number, the finer the filtration.
- MERV 1–4: Basic protection, good for catching large particles like dust and lint.
- MERV 5–8: A common choice for most homes; these filters trap smaller particles like mold spores and pet dander.
- MERV 9–12: Higher efficiency; better for allergy or asthma sufferers.
- MERV 13–16: Hospital-level air quality; usually not needed in most residential systems unless specifically recommended.
It’s important to note that while higher MERV ratings capture more particles, they can also restrict airflow if your system isn’t designed for them.
How Often Should You Replace Furnace Filters?
Most filters come with a recommended replacement timeframe. For example, every 30 days for thinner 1-inch filters, and “up to” 3–6 months for thicker pleated filters. Some filters even say up to one year. However, in real-world conditions, those “up to” recommendations are often too long.
Even thicker filters tend to collect a layer of dust on the surface that restricts airflow well before they reach their maximum lifespan. That’s why we recommend replacing filters earlier than the packaging suggests. For many homes in our area, changing a filter every 1–2 months is the safest bet, especially if you:
- Have pets that shed
- Live with allergy or asthma sufferers
- Run your HVAC system daily
- Notice visible dust on surfaces soon after cleaning
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Filter
- Your filter looks gray or visibly dusty
- You see more dust than usual around your home
- Itchy eyes and increased allergy symptoms while indoors
- Rooms feel stuffy or unevenly heated/cooled
- Your energy bills are unexpectedly higher
A Small Task That Saves Big
Replacing your filter regularly is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. It not only saves you money on utility bills but can also prevent the need for costly repairs or premature replacement.
Call Advanced Air Solutions at 304-395-9867 today for seasonal maintenance or repair in and around Cross Lanes and Charleston, WV.