Want proof those HVAC air filters in your home are working? Just replace them! When done correctly at the proper times, you’ll likely see all sorts of gunk trapped in the filter fibers. For every dirty filter you replace, you are breathing in fewer airborne allergens like dust, mold, dander, pollen, and bacteria.

Air filters are inexpensive and lightweight, but they play a tremendously important role in keeping your home’s air quality up and the HVAC system running properly (which also means fewer service calls to Mister Quik). Filters block all those floating particles from clogging up your heating & cooling blower and eventually damaging the system. Filters also help keep your home’s air ducts clean and prevent particles from blowing from room to room. So it makes sense to regularly replace them, because doing so saves money and promotes energy efficiency at home.

What if my filter’s not dirty?

One question we get asked a lot at Mister Quik is how can you tell if your home’s air filters are working like they should? The simple answer is your filters should look dirty every time you replace them. At Mister Quik, we recommend replacing air filters every one to three months. Since filters are generally positioned at points where your HVAC system pulls in air from your home, you’re likely to see lots of dust accumulation trapped within the thick webbing of fibers. A dirty filter will look gray, almost like soot or ash from a fireplace.

Another question we often field here at Mister Quik is what should you do if you replace your filters at the suggested times, and they still look brand new? The answer to that becomes a bit more complicated. If your air filters look clean even after one to three months, here are a few things you can do to troubleshoot:

  • Is the filter the right size for the space it sits in? Look for visible gaps between the filter and the air vent frame.
  • Is the filter installed correctly or is it upside down? Look at the sides of the filter for an arrow showing the proper air-flow direction.
  • Is the filter strong enough to do the job? Mister Quik recommends you spend a bit more for a quality air filter. You’ll often waste money in the long run buying those cheap, “economy” filters that don’t trap as much airborne debris as better-constructed filters.

Air filters are one of the easiest and most effective ways for improving the health and comfort of your home’s air supply. They require barely any maintenance on your part, and can help extend the life of your HVAC system. Have a question about your home’s heating and cooling, shopping for a new system, or need maintenance on your current system? Talk to Mister Quik! We are the Central Indiana authority on air conditioners, furnaces, and much more, and have the tools and expertise to improve your home’s air quality and efficiency. Contact us today for helpful advice.

Breathe easier knowing Mister Quik has you covered!