Are you wondering if it's time to change your air filter during an HVAC maintenance checkup in Miami-Dade County, FL? The answer isn't always clear-cut, as the recommended frequency of replacement depends on a variety of factors. These include the number of people and pets living in the home, how often you use the system, the age of the system, the type of flooring, allergies, and more. One way to tell if your air filter needs to be changed is to look for visible dust around the ventilation grilles. This could mean that the air filter is deteriorating and releasing particles into the air conditioning system.
To confirm this, take out the filter and inspect it. If it is covered with dust or starts to break down, it's time to replace this essential component. Another sure sign that your air filter needs to be replaced is if it is no longer white. Air conditioner filters turn gray due to all the dust and particles that accumulate in the unit. When this happens, replace the filter immediately. If you can't remember when you last serviced your air conditioner (or if you've never done so), it's probably time to schedule a tune-up with a trusted HVAC contractor.
The Department of Energy recommends replacing air filters regularly as the most important maintenance task your HVAC system must perform.