Question: When should I change the filters on my heating /cooling system?
Answer: Filters on heating and cooling systems should be cleaned and checked once a month. As a rule of thumb, if you remove the filter and hold it up to the light you should be able to see through it. If you can’t, it’s probably time to replace it. An annual maintenance check in the spring and fall by a licensed, reputable repair professional is also a good idea.
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Heating systems used in residential and commercial buildings are quite varied. Depending on geography and available fuels, common systems include: an oil or gas furnace, electric forced-air furnace, electric baseboard heat, hot water or steam heat using boilers, heat pumps or solar heat. Not all use filters.
Identifying the energy source used to heat a property and its delivery system is part of a general home inspection. When assessing the heating and cooling systems, an NPI professional will check for a master system shut-off switch. Having a manual master shutoff near such equipment is for safety and convenience. The inspector will also look at the general condition of the equipment, check for a maintenance history, check the filter condition if applicable, observe the ventilation system and, when possible, determine if the system functions when operated.
Since heating and cooling a home eats up about half what people spend on utilities, knowing the current condition of the heating system is important. A home inspector assesses hundreds of components in the home, providing an unbiased, independent assessment for clients. For more information on a home or commercial building inspection, contact your local National Property Inspections professional.
National Property Inspections®
Steve Matolka
Owner/Inspector
Residential ● Commercial ● Warranty Inspections ● Relocation
Phone: 704.675.1646 ● Fax: 704.675.5237
Email: NPI4Him@yahoo.com ● Web: www.Inspections4Him.com
