How Often Should You Change a Heat Pump Filter?
Heat pumps are impressive systems that often feel downright maintenance-free. Heat pump maintenance is still necessary, and one of the best tasks to handle regularly is changing or cleaning the heat pump’s filter. Let’s look at why filter changes are important and how often you ought to change your heat pump’s filter.
Why the Filter Matters
The filter reduces the amount of fouling that occurs inside the heat pump’s systems. Things like dust, pet dander, pollution, and pollen can collect inside the heat pump. As this buildup grows, it inhibits the heat pump’s operation.
The air filter captures most of this undesirable stuff. However, that transfers the buildup to the filter. That is a win for heat pump maintenance, but eventually, the filter will also become fouled. Once this happens, the heat pump will lose airflow, reducing the system’s efficiency and performance. Likewise, a clogged filter will harm indoor air quality by allowing allergens to float around your house.
How Often Should You Replace or Clean a Heat Pump Filter?
There are three common types of heat pump filters. Each has different requirements.
Standard Disposable Filters
Typically made of fiberglass or a basic pleated material, standard disposable filters are usually the most affordable option. In general, changing the filter every three months is fine. However, your specific household conditions will significantly affect the timeline. Households with long-haired pets or indoor smokers, for example, may need to change their disposable filters as frequently as once a month.
Also, be aware that some units use a simpler disposable filter as a pre-filter for a more advanced main filter. Check your unit’s manual to confirm its filter configuration.
Pleated and HEPA Filters
These models usually provide more aggressive filtration. They are also more durable and still disposable. Unsurprisingly, they are also more expensive. HEPA filters are high-efficiency versions that are particularly good at capturing smaller particles in the air, including many types of bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. Households should typically replace these filters once every three to six months.
Washable and Reusable Filters
Some systems employ reusable filters. You can remove, wash, dry, and then reuse the filter. Cleaning schedules for these models are usually once every month to three months. Make sure the filter has dried completely before returning it to the unit.
Many homeowners elect to keep two reusable filters per unit. This makes it easier to pop in a clean one while you wait for the other to dry. You can then rotate the filters every replacement cycle.
Factors Affecting Change Times
Many factors will affect the frequency of filter changes. As previously noted, pets and lifestyles can increase filter replacement frequency. Likewise, your home’s location matters. If it is close to a highway, road pollution may increase the need for filter changes.
You should also consider more frequent changes if you have a condition like:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Allergies
Your home’s size and occupancy may also affect the change time. Bigger houses can circulate more fresh air. More occupants mean more activities, such as cooking, that can foul filters. If the house is a vacation home, the low frequency of use may also extend the filter’s lifespan. Growing families also should look at whether their old filter schedule is still suitable.
What Happens If You Don’t Change the Filter?
Even a small reduction in airflow can have surprising consequences for a heat pump. Energy consumption may increase by as much as 15% due to a clogged filter. The blower motor has to work hard to push the same amount of air. Likewise, the compressor strains and draws more electricity. Poor airflow leads to a longer heat pump cycle for heating and cooling, too. In heavy cases, you may have a heat pump not cooling at all.
Your household will also experience worse comfort. Poor airflow through the filter will lead to more hot and cold spots throughout your house. Your system will also take longer to reach the target temperature, especially during heat waves or cold snaps.
All this strain shortens the heat pump’s lifespan, too. The system may overheat and experience an automatic shutdown. Moving parts can also accumulate fouling, causing them to slow or fail. In extreme cases of long-term operation without a filter change, the compressor may fail. For want of a relatively cheap filter, a homeowner may be on the hook for thousands of dollars in repairs.
Finally, air quality diminishes.
You might notice:
- Must smells
- Increased dust settling on furniture
- More respiratory issues
How to Replace Your Filter
First, you need to turn off your heat pump. Most modern thermostats have an off mode that allows for maintenance. Individuals who wish to be extra cautious will also turn off the corresponding circuit breaker for the heat pump.
Your heat pump has an access panel. Remove the filter. If there is evidence of debris around the panel or the filter housing, use a shop vac to clean the area.
Before you install the fresh filter, check its airflow direction. Most filters have an arrow that points toward the unit, indicating how the air should flow. Make sure the filter is secure, replace the access panel, and turn the system back on. Throw the old filter in the garbage if it is disposable.
Make It a Habit
Checking the filter once a month on a specific date will help you build the habit. If the filter looks darkened, then replace it regardless of what the schedule ought to be. Many homeowners set up reminders on their phones. You can also mark it on your calendar. Keep spare filters in a clean space so you have them on hand at all times.
Why Choose Melbourne One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating
Melbourne One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating is ready to serve our neighbors. Whether you have questions about the filter replacement schedule or wish to arrange a heat pump tune-up, we can send a licensed HVAC technician to your location. We’re on time or you don’t pay a dime.
Contact Melbourne One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating to discuss your heat pump’s needs.