Air Filter Replacement in Hampton Roads
Your home's air filter plays a vital role in capturing pollutants like dust, mold, and pet hair, helping you breathe easier. Neglecting to replace a dirty filter can strain your HVAC system, raise your energy bills, and even pose health risks. Don't let this simple task fall by the wayside; your comfort and health depend on it.
Need help finding the right air filter or scheduling a replacement? Don't hesitate to ask for our help! Contact us today for a free estimate.
What Air Filters Do
Air filters serve a critical role in your home's HVAC system. Usually made from spun fiberglass, these HVAC filters clean the circulating air by capturing a variety of contaminants like pollen, mold spores, pet hair, and dust. As air passes through the air conditioner filter, these particles get trapped, making the air in your home cleaner and healthier to breathe. However, filters don't last forever. Over time, they collect so many contaminants that they become clogged, restricting airflow and making your HVAC system work harder. A clogged filter can also reach a point where it starts releasing trapped contaminants back into the air circulation.
It's important to regularly replace the air filter to maintain optimal performance. Choosing the right filter size and type is crucial to ensure proper fit and filtration efficiency. Our customer service team can assist you in finding the right air filter replacement for your HVAC system.
Understanding what air filters do highlights the importance of regular replacement. A neglected filter not only reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system but also contributes to poor air quality inside your home. If this seems like too much to manage on your own, we're here to assist you.
Dangers of a Dirty Air Filter
Air filters in your HVAC system do more than just trap dust and pollen; they're also a crucial defense against larger debris that could damage your system or even cause a fire. However, a neglected, clogged air filter is the top reason HVAC systems fail. It strains the system, reduces air quality, and leads to higher energy bills. Over time, this can also result in mechanical damage, and reduced system lifespan, and could even lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
Ignoring your air filter isn't just a small oversight; it can lead to significant problems and expenses down the line. A dirty filter makes your air conditioner work harder, increases energy costs, and risks freezing the evaporator coils. The reduced air quality can also pose health risks. If all this sounds overwhelming, we're here to help. Call us today at (757) 962-0419 to schedule service for air filter replacement.
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a health concern, not just a comfort issue. Poor IAQ has been linked to various health problems, from headaches to respiratory issues. Up to half of all illnesses can be caused or worsened by indoor air pollutants. Dirty HVAC filters worsen the problem, allowing allergens like dust mites and pet dander to circulate in your home. Even outdoor pollutants can enter when the air conditioner pulls in air. Regularly replacing the HVAC air filter and using HEPA filters can help improve air quality.
Changing your AC filter is a straightforward but effective way to improve your home's air quality. A clean filter not only traps indoor pollutants but also helps to keep out pollen and other outdoor irritants. For those with heightened sensitivity to allergens, a high-efficiency filter can make a significant difference by trapping even microscopic spores. So, if you're experiencing flu-like symptoms or have a family member suffering from allergies, consider filter replacement as a step in the right direction. Need help with that? Call us for a free estimate.
When you can change your air filters
The frequency of changing your air filters can depend on various factors, including the type of filter, the quality of indoor air, the number of pets, and people in the home, as well as external factors like construction and air pollution nearby.
For instance, fiberglass filters are less expensive but need replacing about every 30 days.
On the other hand, pleated air filters, made from better materials, can last between three to six months, depending on how often your HVAC system is running and the manufacturer's guidelines. The filter size should be chosen according to the manufacturer's recommendations and the specifications of your air handler.
Given these variables, it's essential to assess your specific needs to determine the right schedule service for you. For homes with multiple pets or residents with allergies, it might be beneficial to change air conditioner filtermore frequently. If your home is near a construction site or area with high air pollution, you may also need to replace the filters sooner. Paying attention to these factors and setting a regular schedule for replacement air filters can prevent HVAC issues and promote better indoor air quality.
It's also worth noting that seasonal changes can affect how often you should change your air filter. During periods of high pollen counts or colder months when the heating system is in constant use, a more frequent home air filter change may be beneficial. In fact, you can often tell if a filter needs changing by its appearance: a gray and dirty filter is a sign that it's time for a new one.
By maintaining a consistent filter replacement schedule adapted to your home's specific needs, you help ensure the longevity of your HVAC system and contribute to a healthier living environment. If you find it challenging to keep track of when to replace your air filters, consider setting reminders or calendar events, or take advantage of our scheduled air filter replacement service. If you're unsure about when to change your air filter, we can help. Call us for a free estimate on air filter replacement.
Air Filter Replacement Schedule by Universal
Changing your home's air filter is often overlooked, but doing so irregularly can be costly. In the Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Newport News areas, the average cost of replacing an HVAC system is around $9,500. To help you avoid this hefty expense, we offer a scheduled air filter replacement service. Our trained technicians will visit your home to inspect your current setup and discuss your filter preferences. We'll also note the sizes needed for each of your home's replacement air filters.
Our maintenance schedule is either monthly or quarterly, based on the type of filter you choose. During each visit, our team will remove the old air filters, sanitize the system, install new filters, and clean the vents and grates. This comprehensive service ensures that your HVAC system runs efficiently and that your home maintains good air quality.
Regular air filter replacements are essential for protecting your HVAC system, providing peace of mind, and avoiding potential damage. Our hassle-free service ensures that you don't have to worry about remembering or handling the filter changes yourself. We take care of everything for you, simplifying your home maintenance. Contact Universal Duct Cleaning™ today for a free estimate and start enjoying a worry-free HVAC maintenance schedule, including emergency service for HVAC filters.
The Risks of Neglecting Air Filter Replacement
Staying on top of air filter changes is crucial. When filters collect too much debris, airflow is compromised, leading to an array of problems affecting both system performance and efficiency. Failure to maintain a consistent filter replacement schedule can result in increasingly challenging issues.
Rising Energy Bills
Ordinarily, HVAC systems consume a substantial amount of energy, but most homeowners find these costs manageable as long as they stay within normal limits. However, blocked filters force your heating and cooling units to work harder, escalating energy consumption. This will inevitably lead to higher energy bills. A timely filter change can help you control these costs. HVAC filters are particularly important in maintaining energy efficiency.
Inconsistent Indoor Temperatures
Limited airflow hinders the distribution of cooled or heated air, resulting in uneven temperatures throughout your home. Some rooms might become uncomfortably hot or cold, affecting sleep and focus during the day. This situation is far from ideal and could require shifting activities to more temperate areas of the home. To improve airflow, it is recommended to schedule service and check the air duct regularly. HVAC technician can help with air duct cleaning and HVAC equipment maintenance.
Worsening Indoor Air Quality
When an air filter is clogged, its efficiency in capturing airborne particles diminishes. As a result, more pollutants circulate within your home. Individuals with allergies or respiratory issues will be particularly affected, but even those without preexisting conditions may experience symptoms like sneezing, headaches, and breathing difficulties.
Shortened HVAC Lifespan
Well-maintained HVAC systems are designed to last over a decade. Ignoring essential upkeep like filter changes puts undue stress on the system, risking premature failure due to wear and tear on essential components. This could result in costly replacements far sooner than expected.
Risk of AC Coil Freezing
The evaporator coils in air conditioners help reduce indoor temperatures by absorbing heat. Proper airflow is essential to prevent these coils from freezing. Restricted airflow due to a dirty filter can cause these coils to freeze, leading to erratic AC performance and eventual failure. The repair cost for this issue can be substantial.
Increased Allergens and Illness
A dirty filter can't effectively remove allergens or microorganisms from the air. This lack of filtration allows pathogens and allergens to circulate, increasing the risk of illness among household members. From common colds to more severe respiratory issues, a dirty air filter is a hidden culprit behind increased sickness rates in homes.
Excessive Dust Build-up
When air filters aren't replaced regularly, the reduced airflow and filtration capability leads to excessive dust build-up on surfaces around your home. Not only does this create more housework, but it also can damage electronic appliances and fixtures over time. The filter type plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality.
Unpleasant Odors
A clogged air conditioning system filter can trap odors and allow them to fester within your HVAC system and ductwork. As air circulates through your home, you may notice musty or unpleasant smells that are hard to eliminate. These trapped odors can create an uncomfortable living environment and may require professional cleaning to fully remove. Our customer service is always available to help you choose the right air filter for your air conditioning unit.
Conclusion
Revisiting your air filter replacement routine is crucial for both your HVAC system's longevity and your household's health. Neglecting this simple maintenance task can lead to increased energy bills, discomfort, and health risks. Don't delay checking your air filter and consider scheduling regular maintenance to avoid these problems. The benefits far outweigh the costs, ensuring a safer and more comfortable home.
What makes Universal Duct Cleaning™ excellent?
When it comes to air duct cleaning and sanitizing, Universal Duct Cleaning™ stands out for several reasons. We are a locally-owned family business committed to delivering the best service possible. Our flexible proposals ensure you get the most value for your money, tailoring each service to your specific needs. Rest assured, we are insured, bonded, and licensed, with a BBB A+ Rating to back our quality work.
Need service fast? We offer next-day service options. Plus, with Smartpay, managing payments is hassle-free. Unlike other companies that offer one-size-fits-all solutions, we provide customized cleaning options, making us the only duct cleaners to offer this level of flexibility.
In addition to our standout features, it's crucial to note that we serve a wide area, including:
This extensive coverage means that top-quality air duct cleaning and sanitizing services are just a phone call away, no matter where you are in these localities. We're not just a business; we're your local HVAC specialists committed to improving air quality in our community.
This program will eliminate the burden of remembering when to change you filter(s). Don’t worry, we will contact you to schedule. Easy, Fast and Affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
We serve areas including Newport News, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Hampton, and Portsmouth. If you're within these regions, you can avail our services.
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