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Being in Maryland, you can enjoy everything that the four seasons have to offer, including hot and humid summers, cold winters, and lots of pollen in spring and fall. Although the changes render the state beautiful, they also affect your HVAC system.<br>
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HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR HVAC FILTER IN MARYLAND’S CLIMATE? Expert heating & air conditioning contractors in Maryland & Washington DC. Learn more 202-386-6300 / 301-219-3000 www.rileyheatandair.com 9900 Sudan PlUpper, Marlboro, MD 20772
Being in Maryland, you can enjoy everything that the four seasons have to offer, including hot and humid summers, cold winters, and lots of pollen in spring and fall. Although the changes render the state beautiful, they also affect your HVAC system. Changing the HVAC filter is one of the most basic yet crucial steps to take to keep your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system running smoothly. The question is, what is the frequency of changing it in the climate of Maryland? Let’s break it down. Why HVAC Filters Matter Your system has lungs, and your HVAC filter is the lungs. It captures dust, pollen, pet dander, and other particles that would have circulated throughout your home. A clean filter helps: Keep the indoor air healthy. Lesson allergens and pollutants. Maintain the efficiency of your HVAC. Reduce the energy bill through air movement. When the filter becomes clogged, your system works harder, which can lead to increased costs and even breakdowns. General Guidelines for Changing HVAC Filters A majority of manufacturers recommend replacing filters after 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of filter and its application. The fact is that climate conditions and lifestyle in Maryland have a significant impact on the frequency of filter replacement. Expert Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in Maryland & Washington DC
Seasonal Impact in Maryland 1. Spring: High Pollen Counts Maryland has a notorious spring that is full of allergies. Your filter can easily become clogged by pollen from trees and flowers. When you or your family has seasonal allergies, it is usually better to change the filter every 30 days in the spring. 2. Summer: Heat and Humidity Summers in Maryland are very humid, which means your HVAC system works harder than usual. The more it is used, the quicker the filter collects dust and debris. It is beneficial to change every 30 to 45 days, allowing your system to keep pace. 3. Fall: Transition Season The air is cooler in the fall, and there is less pollen; however, dust and leaf debris can still find their way indoors. Filter life can be a little longer during this period—60 days is usually sufficient. 4. Winter: Heavy Heating Demands The winters of Maryland are cold. With your furnace operating on a day- to-day schedule, it circulates air continuously, drawing dust into the filter. To ensure you perform at your best and stay comfortable, replace your filter once every 45 to 60 days during the winter season. Expert Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in Maryland & Washington DC
Household Factors That Affect Filter Lifespan Pets - Dogs and cats lose fur and dander, which can easily clog filters. In pets, every 30-45 days is good. Allergies or Asthma—If someone in your home has respiratory issues, change the filter more frequently to keep the air clean and fresh. House Size - Smaller houses may have less airflow, while larger houses may have more airflow, which could require more frequent changes. Smoking Indoors - Smoke particles may overwhelm a filter. In this case, it is better to replace it every month. Construction or Renovation - It takes no time to fill filters with dust produced by renovation projects. During the renovation process, replace and check them regularly, every few weeks. Filter Types and Their Lifespans Not every filter is equal, and the quality of the filter influences the duration of its life: Fiberglass Filters (30 days)—This is an inexpensive option, but it requires frequent replacement. Pleated Filters (60-90 days)—It is more efficient in capturing small particles and is longer lasting. Expert Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in Maryland & Washington DC
High-Efficiency Filters (90 days or longer)—Very high in terms of protecting against allergies, but not a must-have in all homes. Washable Filters (Monthly Cleaning)—This is an eco-friendly option, but it requires frequent cleaning to remain efficient. Signs Your Filter Needs Changing When you are not sure that you need to change your filter, you can find the following indicators: Energy bills have increased. Reduced airflow from vents Dust accumulation at your house. Symptoms of allergy that aggravate inside. A visibly dirty filter Conducting a brief physical inspection monthly can help prevent larger problems in the future. The Cost of Ignoring Filter Changes Not replacing the filters may cost much more than the new filter: UV on the HVAC motor and blower. Expert Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in Maryland & Washington DC
Coils that are frozen during the summer or systems that get hot during the winter. Shortened system lifespan It is a small price to pay, considering that filters are only a fraction of the cost of repair. Best Practices of the Maryland Homeowners. Set a Reminder - Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder to check your filters. Buy Spare Filters - Keep extra filters on hand in case of urgent replacement needs. Arrange Seasonal Tune-Ups - To maintain system performance, many homeowners choose to check or replace filters at the start of the peak heating or cooling season. Upgrade if Needed - If you have allergies, consider using pleated or HEPA filters, as they are more effective at capturing smaller particles. Conclusion In the changing climate in Maryland, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The general rule of thumb is to inspect your HVAC filter monthly and change it at least every 30 to 60 days, depending on the season and specific factors in your household. Expert Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in Maryland & Washington DC
You can enjoy clean air, a well-functioning system, and a comfortable home all year round by remaining proactive. For expert HVAC care in Maryland, contact Riley Heat & Air today! 202-386-6300 / 301-219-3000 www.rileyheatandair.com rileyheat@yahoo.com 9900 Sudan PlUpper, Marlboro, MD 20772 906 I St NW, Washington,DC 20268, United States Expert Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in Maryland & Washington DC