How Often Should I Change My HVAC Filter? | Davis & Son HVAC And Plumbing in Monett, MO
Wondering how often you should change your HVAC filter in Monett, MO? Learn the optimal schedule, local climate tips, and expert advice from Davis & Son HVAC And Plumbing.
How Often Should I Change My HVAC Filter?
If you live in Monett, MO or anywhere across southwest Missouri, you may wonder: how often should I change my HVAC filter? It’s a simple question, but the answer depends on several factors — your system, your home, the local climate, and your indoor air quality goals. As your neighbors and trusted HVAC & plumbing experts, Davis & Son HVAC And Plumbing is here to walk you through it.
Why Filter Replacement Matters — Especially in Monett & Southwest Missouri
Your HVAC filter is the first line of defense for your indoor air. It traps dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other airborne particles before they enter your furnace or air handler. Over time, a clogged or dirty filter:
Reduces airflow, making your system work harder
Raises energy consumption and utility bills
Causes uneven heating or cooling
Shortens equipment life
Degrades home air quality, aggravating allergies or asthma
In Monett and the surrounding Southwest Missouri region, we face a full swing of seasons — hot, humid summers; cold, sometimes freezing winters; spring and fall pollen; and dust kicked up during dry spells. All of these put stress on filters and indoor air quality.
Local Climate & Seasonal Considerations
Summer & Humidity
High humidity and airborne pollen are part of life here. During the peak cooling months (June through September), your air conditioner runs more often — and filters accumulate more moisture, dust, and microbial growth. You might need more frequent AC filter replacement to prevent mold, clogging, or reduced cooling efficiency.
Winter & Cold Fronts
Winter in Barry and Lawrence counties can drag your furnace into regular operation from November through March. Filters catch indoor dust and debris — especially if your home uses fireplaces or wood stoves. A clogged filter in the winter can starve the furnace of airflow or cause overheating.
Seasonal Transitions
In spring and fall, when you switch between heating and cooling, change your filter before the season’s peak runs begin. Also, check mid-season if you notice airflow drop or dust on registers.
Recommended Filter Replacement Schedule
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here are general air filter replacement schedule guidelines you can use for your home in Monett or elsewhere in Southwest Missouri:
These intervals align with general HVAC best practices, adapted for local climate realities. Use the filter lifespan, air filter efficiency (MERV ratings), and your own home’s conditions to guide your schedule.
Filter Types, Efficiency & Sizes
When changing filters, homeowners should know:
Filter types: Basic fiberglass, pleated, high-efficiency (MERV 13+), HEPA (in add-on systems).
MERV ratings: Higher MERV = better filtration, but potentially more airflow restriction. A MERV 8–11 filter is often a good balance for typical homes.
Filter sizes: Common sizes like 16×20×1, 20×25×1, 16×25×1, etc. Always check your current filter or system label.
Filter lifespan: Dependent on dust load, humidity, and filter quality.
If you're unsure which filter type or size to use — or whether a higher-efficiency filter is safe for your system — give us a call. We can help you pick one that works without stressing your equipment.
Other Important Maintenance & Inspection Steps
To complement your filter change, here are other steps to maintain a healthy, efficient HVAC system in Monett and Southwest Missouri:
1. System Inspection & Tune-up (Biannual or Annual)
Check for refrigerant levels, motor lubrication, electrical connections, belts, duct leaks, thermostat calibration, and coil cleaning.
2. Duct Cleaning & Sealing
Leaks in ductwork reduce efficiency and can bring in dust or soil from attics or crawl spaces. Sealing ducts helps improve indoor air quality and reduce energy loss.
3. Thermostat Calibration
An uncalibrated thermostat can cause over- or under-cooling/heating. We can calibrate or replace with smart thermostats for better control.
4. Moisture Control & Ventilation
Especially in summer, high indoor humidity encourages mold growth. Use dehumidifiers or ventilation systems as needed to lower indoor air pollution risks.
5. Air Purifiers & Add-ons
If allergies or asthma are an issue (common in areas with seasonal pollen), consider HEPA air purifiers or UV germicidal lights in conjunction with good filters.
Why Local Expertise Matters
When you work with a local company like Davis & Son HVAC And Plumbing, you gain important benefits:
We understand Monett’s seasonal weather swings, valley/ozark terrain, humidity cycles, and pollen patterns.
We stay up to date with Monett’s mechanical codes — for example, the City of Monett adopts the International Mechanical Code (2012) as its mechanical standard. monettmo.gov+2cms5.revize.com+2
We assist with local permit processes. In Monett, any new HVAC or duct work requires permitting and inspection. cms5.revize.com
We’re part of the community — with over 40 years of experience in Southwest Missouri. davisandson.net
Our technicians can spot issues unique to area homes (e.g. soil dust in foundations, high annual humidity) that out-of-area companies might miss.
So when you call us, you get advice and work tailored to your home in Barry, Lawrence, or nearby counties — not a generic one-size-fits-all solution.
Common Local Concerns & Tips
“But my filter still looks pretty clean” — Visual inspection helps, but microscopic dust can clog pores before you see it. Follow your schedule.
Uneven cooling upstairs vs downstairs — Filter clogs or duct leaks are often the culprit. A timely filter change or duct inspection can help.
Friends say “just rinse and reuse” — Reusing disposable filters doesn’t restore full capacity and can compromise filter media.
That “funny smell” after switching on AC — Likely caused by mold or bacteria growth caught in a dirty filter or evaporator coil. A filter change plus coil cleaning resolves it.
Rising energy bills — A clogged filter forces the blower to pull extra amps; new filter = lower electrical load.
Conclusion & Next Steps
So, how often should you change your filter? It depends on your home, system, and lifestyle. But in Monett and the Southwest Missouri region, a reasonable starting point is every 60–90 days — and more often during heavy use, allergy season, or if you have pets or poor air quality.
Let us help you get it right. Ready to get started? Call Davis and Son today or visit our website to schedule your HVAC or plumbing services.
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