How Often Should Commercial HVAC Filters Be Changed for Optimal Efficiency?

A big part of maintaining commercial HVAC systems in Dayton, Ohio, is changing the air filter regularly. How often should commercial HVAC filters be changed? In this guide, A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling reveals everything you should know about your system’s air filters, how they affect the system’s overall efficiency, and when to change them. 

The Importance of Replacing Commercial HVAC Filters

While business owners and property managers should schedule professional maintenance for commercial HVAC equipment, they can tackle one maintenance project on their own. Keeping an air filter replacement schedule is crucial and provides many benefits. Not only does this simple task aid with preventative maintenance, but it also has other notable advantages. 

Clean Filters Promote Air Quality Maintenance

The main purpose of commercial HVAC air filters is to trap dust, dirt, and allergens rather than letting them circulate around the building. Excessive dust and debris accumulation will affect your building’s indoor air quality as allergens travel through ducts and vents. You might experience allergy symptoms as the filter starts to clog, including:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Throat irritation
• Shortness of breath

These symptoms can be especially harmful for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

How often should commercial HVAC filters be changed, then? If you notice an immediate decline in your indoor air quality, take it as a sign that your filter is due for replacement. 

Consistent Filter Replacement Enhances System Efficiency for Lower Energy Bills

Clogged air filters restrict airflow within your commercial HVAC system. Your heating and cooling equipment must work harder to push climate-controlled air through the vents when the filter is full of dirt and debris. This results in higher energy bills and a decrease in system efficiency. 

Changing your filter on a set schedule, as well as keeping up with routine maintenance, allows the equipment to function at maximum efficiency. You’ll save money on your utility bills and help your building reach your desired temperature in less time. 

Replacing HVAC Filters Extends Your System’s Lifespan

Commercial HVAC systems are no small investment. Therefore, you want to get the most out of them. Regularly replacing the air filter helps your equipment reach its full lifespan. 

Clogged air filters not only restrict airflow and leave your building uncomfortable, but they can present multiple mechanical problems, including:

• Overheated components
• Faulty blower motors
• Short cycling

All of these issues require extensive repairs and may ultimately force you to replace your system earlier than expected. Keep the air filters clean to improve your system’s longevity and save long-term. 

Three Key Factors That Influence Your HVAC Air Filter Replacement Schedule

How often should commercial HVAC filters be changed? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Figuring out when to replace your building’s filters depends on a few different factors. Use the information below to determine the frequency. 

1. Your Industry

It seems odd that your work sector should affect your filter replacement schedule. However, some industries tend to produce more dirt and debris, which can clog filters faster than others.

Relatively clean environments, such as office buildings or retail shops, can usually get away with quarterly filter changes. A good way to adhere to this schedule is by putting in a new filter at the start of each new season. 

How often should commercial HVAC filters be changed in other industries? Depending on the amount of pollutants inside the building, a new air filter may be necessary every month. Businesses that generate greater air pollutants include:

• Factories
• Auto shops
• Restaurants

2. The Building’s Size

Some commercial properties have to change their HVAC filters more regularly based on the size of the building. Larger facilities tend to generate more foot traffic, and therefore, more contaminants circulate through the building. The HVAC air filter will become dirty more quickly in this type of environment compared to a small facility with minimal foot traffic. 

3. The Type of Air Filter

Your HVAC system’s filter type plays a critical role in your replacement schedule. Some filters are more efficient than others and can trap or eliminate more allergens than others. Depending on the type of filter your system uses, you can adjust your timeline for replacing it. 

Common filters ideal for commercial HVAC systems include:

• UV filters: Ultraviolet light targets common air pollutants, as well as viruses and bacteria, to keep everyone inside your building healthy. 
• HEPA filters: These standard filters trap over 99% of particles so they don’t circulate around your building.
• Pleated filters: Pleated filters can serve your business for up to six months, making them ideal if you prefer a long-lasting filter. 

How To Change Your Commercial Air Filter

Now that we’ve answered, “How often should commercial HVAC filters be changed?” you might be wondering how to replace the filter. Many commercial buildings house their HVAC equipment on the roof to save space. If you’re unable to access the roof or uncomfortable doing so, you can reach out to a local HVAC contractor to inspect and change the filter. 

Bear in mind that the type of filter you use can influence the replacement process. For example, if you use disposable filters, all you have to do is slide the dirty one out, discard it, and put a new clean filter in. Reusable filters will require you to wash all of the dirt and debris off before you place the filter back in. 

Consult with an HVAC professional if you’re considering switching to a new filter. Experts can review your options and help you find the best one for your system. 

Receive Commercial HVAC Solutions in Dayton – Contact A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling

How often should commercial HVAC filters be changed? What factors go into sizing a commercial HVAC system? At A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling, we have answers to these questions and more. 

Reach out to our team at (502) 708-2247 to schedule commercial HVAC services, including installation, repairs, and maintenance. We’re ready to give you the assistance you need.