Air Filter Maintenance: How It Benefits Your AL Business

When you’re running a business, HVAC maintenance often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. But overlooking tasks like air filter replacement can come at a cost. Prioritizing air filter maintenance can provide your business with a range of benefits. Most importantly, it plays a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of you and your staff every day.

Air Filters Help Maintain Air Quality

One of the most important functions of air filters is to maintain good air quality. Filters work by preventing dust, pollen and other types of debris from being released into the air. This is especially beneficial for work environments that produce lots of pollutants, including factories, restaurants and warehouses. 

If air filters aren’t replaced regularly, they can cause respiratory issues for staff. Dirty air filters not only accumulate pollutants, but they can also serve as breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. Without regular replacement, these filters can release pollutants and allergens back into the air.

This can trigger allergies and worsen respiratory conditions, especially for workers who have asthma or severe allergies. To prevent illness, it's crucial that businesses replace their filters on a routine basis to ensure the air is clean and breathable. 

Improves Airflow and HVAC Efficiency

In addition to preserving air quality, air filters play a key role in maintaining proper airflow. By trapping debris, filters allow air to move freely through your business’s HVAC system. This improved airflow reduces the strain placed on your system, helping it operate more efficiently.

When filters are clogged or dirty, airflow becomes restricted, which forces your system to work harder than it should. Over time, this added stress can lead to premature wear on components, system malfunctions and increased energy consumption. To avoid breakdowns and high energy consumption, it’s important to keep up on routine filter changes. 

Saves on Future Repairs and Utility Bills

By making your HVAC system more efficient, air filters help business owners save in more ways than one. Some of these include: 

• Lower utility bills – The better your system runs, the less energy it requires to keep your business cool, reducing energy use.
• Improves longevity – Since air filters prevent premature wear, your system and its components will last longer, saving on the need for early replacements.
• Prevents costly repairs – Since your system doesn’t have to work as hard, there’s fewer chances that components will overheat, which helps businesses avoid expensive repairs.

How Often Should Commercial Air Filters Be Changed?

While there’s no definitive answer, it’s recommended that commercial filters be changed every 1 to 3 months. For office spaces, schools and retail spaces, this should be sufficient for maintaining indoor air quality.

However, some businesses require more frequent filter changes depending on the type of work that is being done. Some examples include:

• Manufacturing facilities/Warehouses – May need to be changed every month if large amounts of dust and smoke are being released into the air
• Restaurants – Filters may need to be replaced every 1 to 2 months, depending on the size of the kitchen and how much food is being prepared. Grease, smoke and debris can build up quickly, clogging filters and turning them into potential fire hazards.
• Hospitals – To protect patients from pollutants and airborne illness, filters should be changed monthly
• Automotive shops – Typically, automotive shops change their filters every 1 to 3 months but if you experience higher levels of dust or use lots of chemicals, it’s best to replace them each month.
• Data centers – Similarly, data centers may need to replace their filters once a month if they reside in areas with heavy pollution. This is done to protect sensors and electrical equipment, which can be negatively impacted by dust and other types of pollutants.

Need help with your HVAC system? Contact C&G Today!

If you're looking for HVAC experts, C&G Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help! Located in Smiths Station, we provide commercial and residential HVAC services to Phenix City, Auburn, Opelika and Columbus.

Whether you're in need of repairs, routine maintenance or looking to upgrade your system, we provide long-lasting solutions at an affordable price. Contact our team today at 334-489-3329 for a free estimate. To learn more about other services, including heating repair and ductwork maintenance, click the link here.