If you’ve just bought a house or building and you’re dealing with your first HVAC system, or even if you’ve been there for years, there is one important aspect that every owner should remember. Changing out the air filter in your system can be one of the most crucial things you can do to keep your system running the way it should. It doesn’t matter if you have a commercial HVAC set up or a residential one — changing the air filter is a must.

According to Energystar.gov, the majority of HVAC filters should be changed every one to three months. If you had your system put in by residential or commercial HVAC services then they most likely told you the importance of changing it. Even if you’re someone who is willing to change the air filter as often as necessary, how do you know when you need to?

• If the surface of the filter is a grayish color and there’s dirt and dust on it

• If your home is somewhat dustier than usual

• Your heating or cooling system has been cycling longer than normal

• Check the manufacture’s recommendation for use (if your filter has been in longer than what they suggested)

There are a few reasons why you should change your air filter if you notice any of these signs.

1. Your system will perform better: If the filter is clogged or dirty then air cannot move the way it should throughout the system.
2. Limited air mobility: Since the air isn’t properly moving through your system, it’s limited from being directed into your home.
3. Energy Efficiency: Your system will work harder to push the air through the system if the filter is bad and thus draw more energy to do so. A clean air filter means the air can move without much restriction and uses less energy.
4. Dirty Air: As mentioned above, if your filter is clogged then the full amount of air isn’t being pushed into your home or office. The air that is being pushed however is full of contaminants that your filter normally removes. If you own a building with employees, this can pose a serious legal issue. If you have any problems with your filter or system you should contact your commercial HVAC services immediately.

Changing your air filter is a lot more essential than you might have thought. It isn’t difficult, and replacing it when you’re supposed to can save you time and money later on. If you don’t know where your filter is or how to change it, consider calling whichever of the residential or commercial HVAC services you had install the system. They’ll be able to inform you where the filter is as well as how long you should wait in between replacements.