Should I Clean or Replace My Air Filters Before Turning on the Heating System?

Should I clean or replace my air filters before turning on the heating system? The joys of cool autumn leaves accompany chores ahead of winter, and many California homeowners ask about their heater filters as they plan these To-do lists.

Read on for how air filter changes get your HVAC system fully ready for its winter duties.

What Do Air Filters Do?

Let’s explore how your HVAC system works. 

First, the indoor air handler pulls in air through a return register. It heats the air before sending it back through the vents. On the way, the air filter in the return register traps all kinds of contaminants, including:

• Mold
• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Dander
• Dust
• Pollen
• Chemical compounds

Crucially, these air filters purify your indoor air so that everyone can breathe a little easier. But what happens after the unit has been off for a long while? 

Should I Clean or Replace My Air Filters Before Turning on the Heating System?

At a minimum, every heating system owner should change their HVAC filters every three months. Still, that recommendation depends entirely on your heating equipment and household’s needs. 

If you’re setting up for a long winter, it’s understandable that you’d ask, “Should I clean or replace my air filters before turning on the heating system?” Let’s take a look.

What Does Your HVAC Manufacturer Say?

Your HVAC instruction manual is the first stop. HVAC manufacturers provide specific instructions regarding:

• The type of filter you can use
• When to change it
• Whether you should discard or clean the filter

The manufacturer’s website will have digital instructions. 

Where Do You Live?

Some places have more pollution than others. Do you live in a high-pollution area? You might want to replace the air filter more frequently to offset outdoor contaminants. 

For example, Los Angeles, California, has pretty poor air quality. You’ll have to frequently switch out your unit’s filter in that region to avoid health issues.

Does Your Lifestyle Increase Contamination?

Some households naturally have more pollutants than others. For instance, you should clean or replace your air filter before running the heating system if:

• You live with children. Bigger families and those with small kids bring in more pollutants. 
• You live with pets. Dogs and cats shed old fur and dander, which can trigger allergic reactions and invite dust mites. 
• You live with immuno-compromised or sensitive individuals. Those with health conditions need extra support. Frequent filter changes offer people pure air. 
• You live with someone who smokes. Vaping or smoking indoors and even burning candles and incense will release contaminants directly into your breathing air.

What Other Measures Do You Take to Clean the Air?

Professional maintenance drastically improves system performance while reducing pollutants and dust. Let the technician thoroughly clean off that filthy film of dust and grime for less frequent filter changes.

Schedule Heating Maintenance With Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning 

Should you clean or replace your air filters before turning on the heating system? Ask Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning more at 424-455-0173! Our maintenance plans can take care of the filters for you.