Hey friends, let’s talk about something that often flies under the radar in facility stewardship—but it’s one of the easiest ways to protect your church building, improve air quality, and save money: changing your HVAC filters.
Though it might not be the most exciting topic, this small and simple task has a big impact on the health and life expectancy of your HVAC system, the comfort of your congregation, and your energy bills. At Smart Church Solutions, we believe stewardship goes beyond budgets and ministry programming — it means caring well for the spaces God has entrusted to us.
By keeping up with HVAC filter changes, you’re making a practical investment that helps your church run smoothly, keeps the air clean, and extends the life of critical equipment. Let’s dive into why this matters and how to do it right.
Why Should You Care About Your HVAC Filters?
Your HVAC system is like the lungs of your facility, constantly circulating air throughout the building. When filters get clogged, those “lungs” struggle to function, leading to a range of problems:
- Poor Air Quality – A dirty filter means dust, pollen, and other contaminants stay in circulation, affecting everyone, especially those with allergies or respiratory conditions.
- Decreased System Efficiency – A clogged filter makes your system work harder, driving up energy costs and causing unnecessary wear and tear.
- Higher Maintenance Costs – If filters aren’t changed regularly, the buildup can cause serious damage to your HVAC system, leading to expensive repairs.
- Wasted Energy Dollars – The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that replacing a dirty filter can reduce energy consumption by 5-15%. That’s good stewardship!
How Often Should You Change Your Filters?
I often get asked, “How often should we replace our HVAC filters?” The answer depends on a few key factors, but for most churches, you should plan on every 2-3 months with a few caveats:
- Filter Type:
- Basic Fiberglass: Every 30 days
- Pleated Filters: Every 3-6 months
- HEPA Filters: Every 6-12 months (depends on usage)
- Seasonal Considerations: If your system runs more frequently during extreme weather, filters will need more frequent replacements.
- Usage: Does your facility also house a school, daycare or other activities that have children or senior adults? If so, the frequency may need to be increased.
- Environmental & Facility Usage: If your church is in a high-dust area or has a lot of foot traffic, you may need to check filters more often.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your HVAC Filter
Here’s the good news—it’s a super simple process. For many of you reading this, you have Preventive Maintenance (PM) contracts where your HVAC vendor/contractor does this for you, but many organizations still self-perform this task (which is totally fine…as long as it gets done).
Follow these steps to keep your HVAC system in top shape:
1. Turn Off the System
Before you do anything, shut off the HVAC system to avoid circulating unfiltered air and for safety reasons.
2. Find the Filter
Most HVAC systems have filters in:
- The return air duct or vent
- Inside the blower compartment
- Behind a filter grille in a wall or ceiling
If you’re not sure where yours is, check your system manual or ask your HVAC maintenance contractor.
3. Check the Filter Size
The filter size is printed on the frame (e.g., 16x25x1). Be sure to get the right replacement. If you are using eSPACE to manage your facility maintenance, then you can add the filter size in your account so you have the data readily available.
4. Remove the Old Filter
Slide out the old filter carefully. If it’s covered in dust and debris, it’s time for a new one.
5. Install the New Filter
Look for the arrow on the filter’s frame—it should point toward the blower or furnace. Installing it backward reduces efficiency.
6. Secure Everything & Turn the System Back On
Make sure the filter is properly in place, close any panels, and restart your HVAC system.
7. Set a Reminder for Next Time
Mark your calendar or use a facility management tool like eSPACE to track when filters need to be changed next. Setting up a scheduled maintenance reminder in eSPACE will not only ensure you don’t forget, but the reminder can indicate the filter size and location of the unit and any special requirements (i.e., you may need a ladder or some other special consideration).
Pro Tips for Better HVAC Performance
Taking your HVAC maintenance up a notch can boost air quality, improve system efficiency, and save your church money in the long run. Here are some expert tips to keep your system running smoothly:
- Consider Upgrading Your Filters — If your HVAC system supports it, switching to pleated or HEPA filters can significantly improve indoor air quality by trapping smaller particles and allergens.
- Check for Multiple Filters — Many churches have multiple return vents and HVAC units, each with its own filter. Be sure to locate and maintain every filter to keep the entire system working effectively.
- Monitor Filter Condition Regularly — When in doubt, hold the filter up to a light. If you can’t see light passing through, it’s time to replace it. Frequent checks help avoid clogged filters and unnecessary strain on your system.
- Use Smart HVAC Management Tools — Integrations like COOLSPACE, available within eSPACE, can automate filter monitoring, optimize system performance, and simplify maintenance scheduling.
Facility Stewardship is Ministry
Here’s the bottom line — changing HVAC filters isn’t just a routine maintenance task; it’s an important way to be a faithful steward of the resources God has entrusted to us. A well-maintained facility creates a clean, comfortable, and healthy environment where ministry can truly thrive.
At Smart Church Solutions, we’re committed to helping you manage your church facility with care, intentionality, and excellence. Whether you need support tracking maintenance schedules or optimizing your HVAC system’s performance, we’re here to help.
Ready to take your facility stewardship to the next level? Let’s connect! Reach out today to learn more.
