When Did You Last Check Your Air Filter?

It’s one of the easiest home maintenance tasks, and one of the most commonly forgotten. If you can’t remember the last time you looked at your air filter, you’re not alone. But that small filter plays a big role in how well your heating and cooling system runs.

Why Your Air Filter Matters

Your filter catches dust and debris before it circulates through your home or builds up inside your system. When it’s clogged, your furnace or air conditioner has to work harder to push air through. That can mean:

  • Restricted airflow and uneven comfort
  • Higher energy use
  • Extra strain on your system

How to Check Your Filter

  1. Locate it. It’s usually near your furnace or air handler, or behind a return air grille.
  2. Turn off your system before removing the filter.
  3. Hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, it’s time for a replacement.
  4. Install the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing toward the furnace or air handler, then turn your system back on.

How Often Should You Replace It?

A good rule of thumb is to check your filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months. Homes with pets or allergy sufferers may need to change it more often. Not sure what’s right for your system? Check the manufacturer’s recommendation or contact our team.

Let Us Handle the Routine

If you’d rather not keep track, a Triangle HVAC Maintenance Agreement includes seasonal clean-and-check visits for your heating and cooling systems, plus 15% off parts and filters.

Is your filter clean but your home still isn’t comfortable? Contact our team to schedule a service visit today.

Triangle HVAC has proudly served Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities with reliable heating, cooling, and HVAC maintenance services since 1952.