When and Why You Should Change HVAC Filters in Anthem, AZ

Mountainside Air proudly serves Arizona families and businesses with comprehensive indoor comfort services. As we travel around our communities, our customers ask a common question, “How often should you change an HVAC filter?”

As the leading provider of expert HVAC services in Anthem, AZ, we’d like to share some information about managing your heating and cooling system between our regular service visits for routine tune-ups, inspections, and professional deep cleaning. 

How Often Should You Change an HVAC Filter?

A number of factors can impact how often you should change your system’s filter in our desert climate. The size of your living space, the pets you have, and allergic conditions in your household are some of the important considerations. 

In all events, our arid desert climate and often extreme heat means our filters pick up dust and debris much more quickly than in other parts of the country.   

Here are our general guidelines for filter replacement frequency:

• Every 1 to 2 months if you have a standard fiberglass filter in a home with minimal dust and no pets 
• Every 2 to 3 months for pleated filters in homes with moderate dust levels or one pet 
• Every 3 months if you use high-quality filters and don’t have pets or allergies 
• Monthly, if you have pets, allergies, or live in a particularly dusty area 

We recommend that every Anthem property owner inspect their filters once per month to check for excessive dust and dirt accumulation or clogging. Change your filters immediately any time you detect they appear dirty to preserve indoor air quality and energy efficiency.  

Why Changing Your HVAC Filter in Anthem, AZ, Matters

How often should you change an HVAC filter? Neglecting your HVAC filter often leads to expensive repairs, higher utility bills, and potential health issues. Here are some of the major benefits of keeping a clean filter in place.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

The combination of desert dust, seasonal pollen, and pet hair in many Anthem homes creates a heightened risk of indoor airborne pollutants. Clogged air filters fail to trap these particles, leading to continued recirculation through your living space. 

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Every HVAC system depends on unrestricted airflow to operate properly. Dirty air filters unnecessarily increase stress as all components must work harder to push air through ductwork. 

A dirty filter makes your HVAC system work harder to push air through, increasing energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing a dirty filter can immediately improve energy efficiency by up to 15%.  

Allergies and Respiratory Health Benefits

Poor air filtration aggravates health concerns, particularly for those suffering from allergies and respiratory health issues. Dirty filters allow dust, mold spores, and pet dander to circulate through your home.  

Protection From Pet Dander and Hair

If you have pets, frequent filter changes are essential. Pet dander and fur can quickly clog filters, reducing airflow and spreading allergens. Consider a HEPA or activated carbon filter to trap these particles more effectively.

Preventative System Maintenance

HVAC systems in Anthem work year-round to keep homes comfortable. A clogged filter can cause unnecessary strain on your system, leading to overheating, coil damage, and costly repairs. Regular system maintenance works together with regular filter replacements to keep your system clean throughout and operating at peak efficiency. 

Choosing the Right HVAC Filter

As we said, how often you should change an HVAC filter depends in large part on the type of filter you use. Here are some of the modern options available:

• Fiberglass filters are affordable but offer minimal filtration.  
• Pleated filters capture more dust and allergens than fiberglass filters.
• Electrostatic filters use static electricity to attract airborne contaminants.
• HEPA filters provide superior filtration, trapping 99.97% of particles.  
• Activated carbon filters absorb odors and chemicals.