While your HVAC filters are a small part of this much larger, more complex system, they play a major role in their efficiency. Without clean filters, you may find that your system doesn’t perform as well as it has in the past. On average, these filters should be replaced at least once every three months. However, you may find that the filters get dirty quickly and must be replaced more frequently. 

But what could lead to your filters getting dirty so quickly? In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common reasons why your filters are getting dirty frequently and how to protect them and your system. 

1. You Have Pets in Your Home

One of the main reasons why your HVAC filters may be getting dirty so quickly is because you have pets in your home. No matter how frequently you brush and bathe your pets, their dander is still bound to get into the air in your home. As it floats through your home, it may get pulled into your system, clogging your filter and dirtying it faster than you expect. 

2. There is Mold in Your Home

If you are experiencing moisture problems in your home, like leaks in your HVAC systems, this may be why your HVAC filters get dirty so quickly. It isn’t uncommon for mold spores to grow on your air conditioning unit’s filter. Once mold spores make their way onto a surface, it only takes about 24 hours for them to spread, quickly clogging your filter and dropping system efficiency. 

3. Allergens are Bad in Your Area

As allergy season approaches, you may find that your HVAC filters begin to clog more quickly than they have in the past. Allergens make their way into your home whenever the system runs, you open windows, or you come in after a day out. If you want to protect your home from this filter clogging, you may want to consider investing in a whole home air filtration system to capture these allergens before they cause more problems. 

4. You Used Cheap HVAC Filters

When you’re looking at the HVAC filters at the store, you might think they are all exactly the same. However, every filter is ranked based on the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. The higher the quality of a filter, the better the MERV rating. Cheaper filters often have low MERV ratings and will only have about a 30-day lifespan before you will need to replace them. 

5. You’re Using the Wrong Thermostat Setting

If you walk past your thermostat and notice that the fan is set to ‘on,’ this might be why your HVAC filters are getting dirty so quickly. If the fan is turned on all day, it will run, even when your heater or air conditioning unit isn’t on. This means air is always passing through the filter, leading to an increased chance that your filter will clog faster than you expect. 

6. You Smoke in Your Home

If you smoke in your home, this can take a major toll on the health of your HVAC filter. Smoke particles attach to dust particles, getting trapped in your filters more frequently. If you choose to smoke in your home, you may need to replace your filters every few weeks to keep them fresh. If you want to avoid the excessive cost of frequent replacements, you may want to consider smoking outside instead. 

7. There is Excessive Soot 

Are you a frequent candle lighter or a lover of your wood-burning fireplace? If you find yourself lighting these frequently, you may also notice your HVAC filters blogging quickly. The soot that results from lighting flames in your home may get sucked into your filters. However, to avoid dealing with this soot accumulation, consider scheduling chimney cleanings, replacing your wood-burning system with a gas fireplace, and trimming your candle wick before lighting. 

How to Care for Your HVAC Filters

There are a few things you can do to ensure your HVAC filters last as long as possible. Some of the easiest things you can do to protect your filters include: 

• Change them frequently, about once every 90 days
• Use pet-specific filters designed to handle pet dander
• Schedule regular HVAC system maintenance
• Cover vents when performing home renovations or remodeling
• Use filters with the right MERV rating for your needs

Schedule HVAC Maintenance with R&D Heating & Air

If you want to protect your HVAC system from premature breakdown, turn to our team at R&D Heating & Air for annual maintenance. For years, our team has provided the most reliable maintenance services to homeowners across Roy, Utah. With our experience and preventative maintenance services, you can trust that any minor problems, including dirty HVAC filters, are addressed before they lead to more costly system damage. 

When you are ready to schedule annual maintenance for your HVAC systems, don’t hesitate to contact R&D Heating & Air for support. 

As the temperature outside gets higher and higher, you may find yourself relying heavily on your air conditioning system. While this system does a great job of keeping your space cool, it does come with one major drawback. When your energy bill arrives, you may be startled by how much higher it is. With the rising cost of goods and services, you may be looking for inexpensive cooling options to keep your home comfortable through the summer months. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the best eco- and wallet-friendly cooling options for your home as summer temperatures reach their peak. 

1. Oscillating or Ceiling Fans

A great cooling option to ensure your space is comfortable throughout the summer is oscillating or ceiling fans. By keeping your fans on throughout the day, you can keep the air in your home moving. Often, a space will feel warmer than it actually is if the air is stagnant. By using your fan throughout the day, you ensure the space stays cool, even when you aren’t home. When you return home at the end of the day, it should still feel cool and comfortable, ensuring you feel your best throughout the night. 

2. Open Windows on Cool Nights

Opening your windows on cooler nights is one great, eco-friendly cooling option to ensure your home is comfortable throughout the summer. On average, Utah’s summer nights are between 65 and 87 degrees. When temperatures are on the lower side of this average, you can pull cool air into your space. Coupling this with additional cooling options, like the fans mentioned above, can ensure your home is cold throughout the day. Just don’t forget to close your windows in the morning to keep the summer heat out. 

5. Improved Insulation

If your home is over 20 years old, your existing insulation may be a major reason why you can’t achieve the comfortable temperature you hope for. On average, insulation should be replaced or retrofitted every 15 to 20 years to ensure your home is as comfortable as possible. While this can be a costly investment to make, it is one of the most eco-friendly cooling options for your home. Not only will it keep you comfortable in the summer, but it will also keep the cold out throughout the chilly Utah winter. 

6. Upgrade your AC

As your air conditioner reaches the end of its life, you may notice a subtle increase in your monthly energy bill. If the cost to cool your home continues to rise, this might be a sign that your best cooling option is to upgrade your current system. Newer air conditioners are more eco-friendly, often saving homeowners up to 40% on their monthly energy bills. In addition to saving you money from month to month, you may qualify for government rebates for choosing to invest in a more eco-friendly system. 

7. Window Tint

As mentioned above, many homeowners love the view from their windows. But, their windows can seriously impact their indoor temperature. If you love the view from your windows and don’t want to invest in curtains that will block this view throughout much of the day, you may want to consider investing in window tint instead. Window tint is a great way to reflect the UV rays that may otherwise shine into your home and increase indoor temperatures. This eco-friendly cooling option lets you see out your windows without dealing with rising temperatures. 

8. Stay Hydrated

While you can incorporate many great cooling options into your home to stay cool, there is one other thing you can do. During the hottest months of the year, staying well-hydrated throughout the day is essential. Remember to carry a water bottle with you and to drink from it consistently. Drinking plenty of cool water will ensure the hydration lost from perspiration is replenished. If you want to stay well-hydrated, drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. 

Upgrading Your Home Cooling Options

Whether you need to upgrade your existing air conditioning unit or you want to install a smart thermostat in your home, our team at R&D Heating & Air is here to help. Our team of certified, trained, and experienced professionals has provided homeowners across Roy, Utah, and beyond with the most reliable HVAC services for over 20 years. No matter what service you have in mind, we’re confident that we have the experience that makes us the perfect choice for your home. 

Don’t let the heat get you down any longer; contact our team to discuss the best eco-friendly cooling options for your home. 

Spring and summer bring beautiful blooms and warmer weather, but for allergy sufferers, they also mark the return of relentless sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Pollen can easily make its way indoors, and if you don’t take precautions, your home may not feel like the sanctuary it should be. 

Indoor allergens can leave you feeling sick, even when you’re out of reach of pollen. However, there are a few easy ways to address this irritation and achieve respiratory relief. In this blog, we’ll discuss some effective ways to reduce indoor allergens during pollen season so you can breathe easier.

When is Pollen Season? 

As the spring months begin, you might notice an increase in respiratory irritation. However, nailing down when pollen season starts can be difficult. Utah’s pollen season stretches between March and November. However, the allergens you encounter will vary based on the time of year. Utah’s trees release pollen between February and May. Utahns will deal with allergens from their grass from May to June. Finally, weeds release their pollen between July and November. However, the pollen season may end sooner or later, depending on the first hard frost. 

Common Allergy Symptoms

If you believe you are experiencing allergies because of exposure to indoor allergens, there are a few symptoms you may experience. The most common allergy symptoms include: 

• Itchy, runny, or stuffy nose
• Watery eyes
• Frequent sneezing or coughing
• Itchy throat

In many cases, allergy symptoms will go away on their own. However, for those who have asthma, consistent exposure to indoor allergens can exacerbate your symptoms. While these indoor allergies can be frustrating, there are a few great ways to address the allergens and clear up your indoor space. 

How to Reduce Indoor Allergens

There are several very easy ways to reduce your exposure to indoor allergens, including the following: 

1. Replace Air Filters Every Three Months

Dirty air filters clogged with allergens, dust, and dirt are far less effective at preventing allergies. One of the easiest ways to reduce your exposure to indoor allergens is by remembering to replace your HVAC system’s air filters at least once every three months. However, if you have pets or experience severe allergies, even when allergens aren’t at their peak, you may need to replace your air filters more frequently. You may also consider investing in air filters with a higher MERV rating to better address your allergies. 

2. Schedule Professional Duct Cleaning

If you find that, even after thoroughly cleaning your home, you are still dealing with irritation from indoor allergens, it might be a good idea to schedule professional duct cleaning. In some cases, your constant exposure to these allergens is caused by a buildup of old dust, dirt, debris, and allergens in your home’s ducts. By scheduling professional duct cleaning, you can remove this debris and trust that you’re breathing much fresher, allergen-free air. 

3. Keep Windows and Doors Closed

While you may love the feel of a cool spring breeze flowing through your home, keeping your windows and doors open may be a major cause of indoor allergens. Even if you have a screen door or window screens, the smallest allergens can sneak into your home. When you close your windows and doors at the end of the day, these allergens remain indoors, increasing symptoms. If you want to avoid these allergens, keeping your doors and windows shut and using fans to cool down your home is best. 

4. Invest in an Air Purifier

One way to reduce your exposure to indoor allergens is by investing in an air purifier. You have a few options when trying to find one. In some cases, you may want to invest in a small air purifier for your bedroom, office, or living space. However, if you find that you deal with indoor allergens throughout your entire home, it may be best to speak to a trusted HVAC professional about whether they can install a whole-home purification system. This should help you tackle the allergens more thoroughly. 

5. Vacuum Frequently

Vacuuming the carpet and fiber surfaces across your home is a great way to remove allergens that cause a spike in your allergy symptoms. As you walk across the carpet or sit on these surfaces, you may find allergy symptoms spiking. By vacuuming, you can clear these allergens and breathe a little easier. After vacuuming, remember to wipe down your shelves and other surfaces to remove any remaining allergens from your home. 

6. Address Mold and Mildew Promptly

If you notice mold and mildew growth across your home, it is essential that you address it as soon as possible. Allowing mold to continue growing across your home increases your risk of exposure to mold spores, one of the most harmful indoor allergens. You should schedule mold remediation to remove mold from your space as soon as you spot the growth. Additionally, you might want to speak to your HVAC professional if you believe there is mold growing in your HVAC system. 

How Frequently Should You Schedule Duct Cleaning? 

If you believe the indoor allergens are coming from your air ducts, you may consider scheduling professional duct cleaning. Once done, this should help you breathe a little easier in your living space. However, you may also wonder how frequently you should schedule duct cleaning to ensure your home is always fresh. On average, it is best to schedule professional duct cleanings at least once every three to five years. You may need to schedule more frequently if you live in a place with high exposure to allergens or frequent inclement weather. 

R&D Heating & Air – Your Expert HVAC Team This Pollen Season

If you need to schedule professional duct cleaning, want to install an air purifier, or need help changing your air filters, turn to our team at R&D Heating & Air. With over 20 years of combined experience, we’re confident that we can help homeowners achieve their most comfortable homes. No matter what service you choose, we’re here to help you make this a smooth process. 

If you would like to speak to team members about our duct cleaning, air purifier, or air filter services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.