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Kilter, shmilter how often should I change my filter?

Ok, a funny title for a not so humorous task. Most homeowners know that they should change their filters regularly but fail to do so. Why not, you ask...? (Top 5 responses):

1. "The filter is too high in the ceiling or wall."

2. "It is too much bother to go to the local hardware store."

3. "Didn't I just change it?"

4. "I don't know what size I need."

5. (My personal favorite) "It looks clean from down here!"

Really, the majority of the dirt in your air system is in the return (filter) side of the duct work - most of this dirt gets through or past the filters because they are dirty and clogged. Once the dirt gets up there, it is an almost unobstructed trip through the ducts and through your house. Do yourself (and your home...) a favor - change your filters often (every couple of months or so, more often if you have a lot of dust), and check the duct above the filter. If it is looking dirty (and I'm guessing it will) call DUCTZ for a free home quote - your home will be happy you did!

Vince - DUCTZ of North Phoeniz and Deer Valley

623-262-3614

Posted by Vince Divarco, Air Duct cleaning by DUCTZ of North Phoenix on 03/19/2008 10:59 PM

Comments (4)

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4 Comments on Kilter, shmilter how often should I change my filter?

MAR

2008

This is something that parents need to teach their children. It is amazing how many homes are owned by people in their 20's and 30's and they have no clue there are even filters. Why did their parents ever teach them anything like this?

MAR

2008

It's funny you mention that - back in the day, my father taught me all about life (how to change a tire, change the oil, or starter on my car, how to talk to girls, for example). But when it came to A/C filters, we had a swamp cooler on my house - every summer we would get up and exchange the old filters for new, stinky filters (anyone that had a swamp cooler knows exactly what I am talking about.) Every winter, we would have to go up on the roof and cover the cooler until the warm weather returned. I personally think we have become such a convenience based society that lots of folks never dream of touching something as drastic as an air filter, hoping beyond all hope that the elves will come and change them in the middle of the night! If that sounds unduly harsh, it comes from having to clean those neglected air ducts for a living. One time, I went into a home and informed a homeowner that she needed to put a filter in her return, and she insisted that there was one there. Upon further investigation, I found that the filter had gotten so clogged up that it had been sucked up into the A/C unit - only luck prevented it from burning out the motor and causing a fire!

MAR

2008

I try to keep mine changed, as a matter of fact I checked the other day and it's overdue. Are the more expensive filters really worth it, if you change the at the same time anyway? Do you recommend any particular type or brand? Thanks, Cindy

MAR

2008

Hi Cindy,

Filter change frequency really depends on what you are trying to do - if you have already identified a dust load issue in the house, it is better to go with the cheaper ones initially and change them more often. This way the existing dust load gets caught in the filter and thrown away. If the only issue is that you haven't changed the filter as often as you should then get the more expensive one and put it in there. Just remember, the more expensive the filter, the better the filtration, but the quicker it will get clogged up. Out in Arizona we always recommend our clients get the cheaper filters and change them every couple of weeks until they are able to mitgate the dust load that already exists in the home. As Indoor Air Quality specialists we are really spending the time to educate the homeowner - we just happen to clean ducts at the same time!

Hope that explains it, if not, feel free to call me any time!

Vince - DUCTZ

623-262-3614

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