Month: November 2025

How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Filters?

Nov 27, 2025

How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Filters?

A clean filter is an important feature of a well-functioning HVAC system. This simple filter can impact the lifespan of your equipment, your monthly utility bills, and your indoor air quality. If you forget to change your filter, you can experience a reduction in airflow, which has the potential to cause substantial problems with your system. Strain on interior components can lead to expensive repairs. Allow our team at Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air in Sacramento, CA to educate you on establishing a schedule for changing your filter. We’ll consider the type of HVAC system you have, your budget, indoor air quality needs, and much more.

What Is the Purpose of an HVAC Filter?

HVAC filters don’t just collect dust. They trap several types of particulate matter, protecting your heating and cooling equipment as well as your indoor air quality. You want to avoid debris from accumulating on your interior HVAC components. Otherwise, this can lead to strain, overworking your equipment, higher energy bills, and a shorter system lifespan. You may find yourself replacing your system much sooner than you anticipated. These filters will also prevent contaminants from circulating in your home. This can help reduce allergies, asthma, and other symptoms.

How Often Should I Replace My HVAC Filter?

Typically, HVAC filters should be replaced once every 30 to 90 days. There are factors that can impact this frequency. For example, if you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, more frequent changes are beneficial.

If you’ve recently had remodeling work done in your home, it’s ideal to change your filter once the work is complete. This is because when such work is being done, it produces a considerable amount of dust, which will quickly cause the filter to become dirty. Chances are that by the time the project is completed, so much dirt and debris will be caked that it will smother the system and prevent airflow.

The number of people in your home will impact filter change frequency. The more people there are, the more dust, skin flakes, and particulate matter that is generated and circulated. The number of animals in your home will also have an impact on filter changes.

If your area experiences high levels of dust, pollen, or pollution, you’ll need to change your filter often. Even if you’re keeping your windows and doors closed, no home is completely airtight. These contaminants can sneak in through gaps and cracks.

Most filters are rated according to the minimum-efficiency reporting value scale, or MERV for short. A filter that is ideal for residential use is usually between 8 and 12 MERV. If you were to use a filter rated less than eight, it wouldn’t be very effective at trapping particulate matter. A filter that is rated above 12 is too restrictive for most residential units. Impeding proper airflow can cause system issues and inefficiencies.

Factors That Impact Frequency

There are other things to consider that can impact how frequently you change your HVAC filter. How often you run your system and the size of your home can really have an impact. Larger homes circulate more air, which means that dust will collect a whole lot quicker. Filters will reach capacity sooner. Furthermore, if you run your system year-round, you will need more frequent replacements. On the other hand, those who rarely run their systems can get away with fewer changes.

Signs It’s Time to Change Your Filter

Ideally, don’t wait until you notice these signs to change your filter. However, being aware of these issues can be key for protecting your home and HVAC system.

Reduced Airflow From Vents

If you notice that there isn’t sufficient air coming from your vents, a dirty filter may be to blame. An excess amount of debris can prevent air from flowing through the filter freely.

Visibly Dirty Surfaces

Your home may appear to be getting dusty faster than usual. Your filter may be dirty, preventing particulate matter from being trapped. More dust and debris will circulate into your living spaces and settle on surfaces. This includes the covers on vents and registers.

Changes in Energy Consumption

Monitor your monthly energy bills for a sudden and unexplained change. If you are using more energy as time goes on, ask yourself if you’ve changed your filter recently. If not, the restriction in airflow may be forcing your system to work harder to achieve your set temperature.

Stale-Smelling Air

Certain filters do a great job of improving your indoor air quality. If your indoor air smells stale, musty, or generally bad, change your HVAC filter. Pleated filters have more surface area and do a better job of trapping contaminants. If smells persist, consider using a filter with activated carbon. This filter component absorbs bad smells very well.

Not Feeling Well

If your allergies seem to be getting worse or you’re experiencing symptoms like coughing, fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, or headaches, change your filter. Your indoor air quality may be making you feel unwell.

There are many studies that link poor air quality to illness. Not addressing air quality issues can lead to more severe problems, such as lung damage and heart problems.

Upgrading Your Filtration

If you’re noticing that you must frequently change your HVAC filter but aren’t seeing enough benefits when it comes to indoor air quality, consider an upgrade. Installing a whole-home air purification unit onto your HVAC system can have a profound impact on indoor air quality. Just be sure to keep up with changing the filter in your unit. Our team can inspect your filtration equipment and perform furnace tune-ups and AC maintenance once per year. This will keep everything working efficiently and effectively.

Make sure you’re keeping your relative humidity level between 35% and 50%. High levels of humidity allow more particulate matter to circulate in the air. This can also promote the growth of mold, which impacts your indoor air quality. A whole-home dehumidifier can remove moisture, and a whole-home humidifier can add it back in. Routine maintenance will ensure that your drain line is clear, further protecting your home from mold growth and other indoor air quality and structural damage concerns.

Our team at Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air can help you with the process of determining when to change your furnace filter. We can also help you choose the right filter for your needs. Our services also include routine HVAC maintenance, repairs, and new installations. The goal is to help you achieve exceptional comfort as well as healthy indoor air quality.

Contact us at Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air for indoor air quality and filter support in Sacramento today.

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What Does a Plumber Check During an Inspection?

Nov 12, 2025

What Does a Plumber Check During an Inspection?

A thorough plumbing inspection is a systematic review of every pipe, fixture and joint in your home. You’ll learn about hidden leaks, worn components and potential trouble spots before they become emergencies. At Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air in Sacramento, CA, we conduct these inspections with care and expertise so that you can count on reliable water flow and healthy drains all year long.

The Purpose of a Professional Plumbing Inspection

A plumbing inspection goes beyond simply checking for obvious drips. A skilled plumber visits your home to uncover hidden vulnerabilities before they escalate into costly repairs. During this process, the inspector evaluates every component of your water delivery and waste removal systems. That includes supply lines, shutoff valves, water heaters and sewer connections.

By the time the inspection wraps up, you’ll have a clear picture of your system’s health. Early detection of corrosion, weakened seals or gradual blockages helps you schedule repairs on your timeline rather than facing an emergency call in the middle of the night. Ultimately, a full inspection saves you money, prevents water damage and extends the life of your pipes and fixtures.

Initial Walk-Through and Homeowner Consultation

Your inspection typically begins with a conversation at the main entrance to the utility area. The plumber asks about any recent leaks, slow drains or unusual sounds you’ve noticed. You’ll describe what you have seen or felt, perhaps water pooling in the laundry room or rattling in a drain line when you run the dishwasher.

That background guides the inspector’s focus and informs the order of operations. Before opening access panels, they may review your home’s plumbing layout if it’s available. Then, together you’ll tour the main water supply, the mechanical room and the most frequently used fixtures. This early exchange clarifies your priorities and helps the plumber tailor the inspection to your concerns.

Visual Examination of Fixtures and Exposed Pipes

Once you’ve set priorities, the plumber examines every visible pipe and fixture. They open inlet valves, check under sinks for dampness stains and look at faucet handles for stiffness or seepage. Hot-water heaters receive a quick look at their relief valves and drain connections. The inspector will discuss the condition of pipe joints, noting any green or white mineral deposits that hint at slow leaks.

They may shine a flashlight along dark pipe runs to pick out hairline cracks. At each point, you receive instant feedback: whether a small drip suggests a simple seal replacement or if discoloration around a joint signals deeper corrosion that needs more extensive work.

Sewer and Drain Line Camera Assessment

When drains clear sluggishly or you suspect tree roots infiltrating lines, the plumber performs a video-camera inspection. A flexible cable with a miniature lens travels down your main sewer line and branch drains, transmitting live images to a monitor. You will be able to watch on a screen as the camera glides past P-traps, T-joints and the main stack.

The plumber points out any grease buildup, root intrusion or alignment problems. By observing the pipe interior, the plumber identifies spots where sediment has piled up or where bellows in the line have formed. This step typically takes 30-45 minutes for an average single-story home, and it eliminates guesswork about what lies beneath your yard or slab.

Water Pressure and Flow Testing

Adequate water pressure matters for everyday tasks, from filling a coffee pot to washing dishes. During the inspection, the plumber hooks a gauge to an outdoor spigot or utility faucet and measures static pressure. If readings exceed 80 pounds per square inch, you risk stress on supply lines and fittings. If they dip below 40 psi, showers and appliances may sputter.

The technician also measures flow rate by timing how long it takes to fill a known volume container. You’ll learn whether your home’s flow meets modern standards or if a pressure-reducing valve needs adjustment. After this test, you understand why a paired fixture might gush while another barely trickles.

Leak Detection and Moisture Mapping

Small leaks can hide behind walls or under floors, quietly seeping water for weeks before a stain appears. Your inspector uses electronic leak detectors to find moisture pockets that lie out of sight. They pass a sensor along walls and ceilings to pick up even slight dampness behind drywall.

If needed, a thermal camera exposes cooler areas where water absorbs heat and lowers surface temperature. By mapping those zones, the plumber pinpoints the leak’s path without turning your walls into rubble. After locating the source, they discuss repair options, whether a simple pipe clamp or a length of fresh tubing replaces a damaged run.

Final Recommendations and Reporting

Once all the tests finish, the plumber compiles a clear report. You receive a written summary that lists every finding, from corroded valves to recommended upgrades, like new shutoff handles or backflow preventers. Each entry explains the urgency level and gives an estimated timeline for service.

You’ll see photographs taken during the camera inspection and moisture scan, so you know exactly where trouble has begun. The report also includes a cost estimate for each repair item, allowing you to budget accordingly. Armed with that document, you set priorities, addressing critical leaks first and planning less-urgent tune-ups for later.

Questions To Ask During Your Inspection

Throughout the process, you have the chance to ask about anything you notice. Inquire about the age of supply lines and whether the materials still meet current standards. Ask what annual maintenance tasks you should schedule to preserve system integrity. It’s also smart to clarify how often to test your water temperature and pressure to catch problems early.

If you plan to upgrade fixtures or appliances, ask how those changes might affect your overall plumbing load. Finally, request guidance on any unusual noises you hear when appliances run. A professional plumber will explain how to interpret those sounds and whether they point to wear or blockage.

Inspection Duration and Follow-Up Services

Most comprehensive inspections take between one and two hours, depending on home size and complexity. A two-story house with multiple bathrooms and long sewer runs may require closer to two hours, while a single-level ranch could finish in about an hour. After you review the report, you schedule the follow-up work.

Many plumbing services offer bundled inspection-and-tune-up packages, letting you address multiple items in one visit. That approach saves you from multiple service calls. Before the plumber leaves, you set dates for any repairs, upgrades or maintenance checks, ensuring your plumbing stays in good shape year-round.

Ready for Your Plumbing Checkup?

Scheduling a professional inspection provides clear insights into your home’s plumbing health, including pressure testing supply lines and examining sewer cleanouts. Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air also provides routine drain cleaning and fast emergency repairs to complement your inspection findings. If you’re curious about the condition of your pipes or want to prevent surprise leaks, call Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air today to book your comprehensive plumbing evaluation.