New Year, New Filter: A HVAC Checklist for Cleaner Air All Year

The new year brings fresh motivation to tackle those home maintenance tasks we've been putting off. But while you're setting resolutions and organizing closets, there's one area that deserves a spot at the top of your January to-do list: your HVAC system.

This guide is for homeowners, property managers, and anyone who wants to breathe cleaner air while keeping their heating and cooling systems running efficiently. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or a seasoned DIY enthusiast, following this checklist will help you start 2026 with healthier indoor air and lower energy bills.

Your HVAC Essentials

Here's what every homeowner should address:

1. Replace your air filter with a fresh filter rated MERV 8, 11, or 13

2. Check thermostat settings to ensure efficient heating schedules

3. Inspect vents and registers for dust buildup and blockages

4. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries

5. Schedule professional HVAC maintenance if not done in the past year

6. Clean around indoor and outdoor units to ensure proper airflow

Starting these habits now sets you up for cleaner air and better system performance throughout the entire year.

Why January Is the Perfect Time for HVAC Maintenance

Your System Is Working Overtime

During winter months, your HVAC system runs almost constantly to keep your home comfortable. This increased use means filters get dirtier faster, components experience more wear, and air quality can decline if maintenance is neglected.

According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), changing your HVAC filter regularly in winter is one of the simplest and most important steps you can take to protect your home's indoor air quality. When temperatures drop and windows stay closed, your heating system becomes the primary mechanism for circulating air throughout your home.

Indoor Air Quality Matters More in Winter

The American Lung Association warns that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and this is especially true during winter when we seal up our homes to conserve heat. Without fresh outdoor air to dilute emissions from household appliances, furnishings, and cleaners, pollutants can accumulate rapidly.

This is exactly why a January HVAC checklist matters. By starting the year with fresh filters and a well-maintained system, you're creating a foundation for healthier indoor air during the months when you're most likely to be spending time inside.

The Complete HVAC Maintenance Checklist

1. Replace Your Air Filter

This is the single most important task on your January checklist. A dirty filter forces your system to work harder, increases energy consumption, and allows dust, allergens, and other pollutants to circulate through your home.

How often to replace:

• Standard 1-inch filters: Every 30 to 60 days during heavy use

• Pleated filters: Every 60 to 90 days

• 4-inch media filters: Every 6 to 9 months

The ENERGY STAR maintenance checklist emphasizes that clean filters are essential for both system efficiency and indoor air quality.

Signs you need a new filter now:

• Visible dust or debris on the filter surface

• Reduced airflow from vents

• Increased dust on furniture and surfaces

• Family members experiencing allergy symptoms

• Higher than normal energy bills

When choosing a replacement, look for filters with MERV ratings between 8 and 13. Higher MERV ratings capture smaller particles, but very high ratings may restrict airflow in some systems. Check your system's manual or consult an HVAC professional if you're unsure what your system can handle.

Aerterra Product Spotlight: Start Fresh with Sustainable Filters

As you tackle your January HVAC checklist, consider making the switch to eco-friendly air filters from Aerterra. Made from USA-grown corn and enhanced with nanofiber technology, these plant-based filters deliver excellent particle capture while reducing your environmental footprint.

Why Aerterra for your new year filter change:

• Plant-based materials: Made from renewable corn-based resources, not petroleum

• Nanofiber technology: Superior particle capture for dust, allergens, and fine particles

• MERV options: Available in MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13 ratings

• Free shipping: On every order, no minimums

• Subscription available: Set up automatic delivery so you never forget a filter change again

Starting the year with sustainable filters means cleaner air for your home and a smaller impact on the planet.

2. Check and Adjust Thermostat Settings

January is the perfect time to review your thermostat programming. According to ENERGY STAR, proper thermostat settings help ensure your system keeps you comfortable when you're home while saving energy when you're away.

Recommended winter settings:

• When home and awake: 68°F (20°C)

• When asleep or away: 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C)

If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, take a few minutes to verify your schedule reflects your current routine. Small adjustments can lead to meaningful energy savings over the course of the year.

Thermostat maintenance tips:

• Replace batteries if your thermostat is battery-powered

• Clean dust from the thermostat housing

• Ensure nothing is blocking temperature sensors

• Verify the display is functioning correctly

3. Inspect and Clean Vents and Registers

Blocked or dirty vents reduce airflow and force your system to work harder. Walk through your home and check each supply and return vent.

Vent inspection checklist:

• Remove vent covers and vacuum inside the ductwork (as far as you can reach)

• Wipe down vent covers with a damp cloth

• Ensure furniture, curtains, and rugs aren't blocking airflow

• Check that all vents are fully open in rooms you use regularly

If you notice significant dust buildup inside your ducts, it may be time to consider professional duct cleaning. The EPA recommends addressing any visible mold growth, pest infestations, or excessive debris in ductwork.

4. Test Safety Devices

While you're thinking about air quality and HVAC maintenance, January is also an excellent time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Safety device checklist:

• Press the test button on each detector

• Replace batteries even if they're not dead (fresh start for the new year)

• Vacuum dust from detector vents

• Check manufacture dates and replace detectors older than 10 years

• Verify you have carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and any gas appliances

Carbon monoxide is a particular concern during winter when furnaces, water heaters, and other combustion appliances run frequently. The EPA notes that carbon monoxide is toxic, and short-term exposure to elevated levels in indoor settings can be dangerous.

5. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

If you haven't had your HVAC system professionally serviced in the past year, January is an ideal time to schedule an appointment. Professional technicians can identify and address issues before they become costly repairs.

What a professional tune-up includes:

• Inspect and clean evaporator and condenser coils

• Check refrigerant levels (for heat pumps and AC systems)

• Lubricate moving parts

• Tighten electrical connections

• Test system controls and startup cycle

• Inspect heat exchanger for cracks

• Check gas connections and burner combustion

According to the Building America Solution Center, annual professional maintenance is recommended to keep systems running efficiently and catch potential problems early. The average HVAC system lasts 15 to 25 years, but regular maintenance can extend that lifespan significantly.

6. Clear the Area Around Your Equipment

Both indoor and outdoor HVAC components need adequate airflow to function properly.

Indoor unit maintenance:

• Clear at least 3 feet of space around furnaces and air handlers

• Remove any stored items that may have accumulated near the unit

• Ensure air returns aren't blocked by furniture

Outdoor unit maintenance (heat pumps and AC condensers):

• Clear leaves, debris, and any snow or ice accumulation

• Trim bushes and vegetation to maintain at least 2 feet of clearance

• Check that the unit is level and stable

The Sustainability Angle: Eco-Friendly HVAC Maintenance

Traditional Filters Create Significant Waste

Every time you replace an air filter, that old filter ends up somewhere. Unfortunately, most traditional filters made from fiberglass or synthetic polyester cannot be recycled and end up in landfills. With most households replacing filters 3 to 4 times per year (and even more frequently for some), the environmental impact adds up quickly.

Plant-Based Alternatives Reduce Your Footprint

Choosing sustainable air filters is one simple way to reduce the environmental impact of your HVAC maintenance routine. Filters made from renewable, plant-based materials like corn-derived PLA (polylactic acid) offer a more eco-conscious option without sacrificing filtration performance.

Aerterra's plant-based filters are made from USA-grown corn and manufactured in America. Unlike petroleum-based synthetic filters, these renewable materials come from annually harvested crops and have a lower carbon footprint throughout their lifecycle.

Every Purchase Supports Reforestation

Through a partnership with One Tree Planted, every Aerterra filter purchase supports reforestation efforts. This means your commitment to cleaner indoor air also contributes to cleaner outdoor air through new tree planting initiatives.

Creating a Year-Round Filter Replacement Schedule

Use Your Calendar or Phone

Set recurring reminders for filter checks and replacements. Many homeowners find it helpful to tie filter changes to other regular events:

• Monthly check: Quick visual inspection on the first of each month

• Seasonal replacement: Full filter change at the start of each season

• Heavy use periods: More frequent changes during peak heating (winter) and cooling (summer) seasons

Consider a Subscription Service

One of the easiest ways to stay on track with filter replacements is to have them delivered automatically. Aerterra's subscription service lets you choose your preferred filter size and delivery schedule, so fresh filters arrive right when you need them.

Benefits of filter subscriptions:

• Never forget a filter change

• Consistent delivery schedule based on your needs

• Free shipping on every order

• Easy to pause, adjust, or cancel anytime

• No last-minute hardware store runs

Learn more about how the Aerterra subscription works and take one more task off your mental to-do list.

Common January HVAC Problems and Solutions

Problem: Furnace Running Constantly

Possible causes:

• Dirty air filter restricting airflow

• The thermostat is set too high or is malfunctioning

• Air leaks in ductwork

• Inadequate insulation

Solution: Start by replacing your air filter. If the problem persists, check thermostat settings and consider scheduling a professional inspection.

Problem: Uneven Heating

Possible causes:

• Blocked vents in some rooms

• Ductwork issues

• Dirty filter reducing overall airflow

• Improper system sizing

Solution: Ensure all vents are open and unobstructed. Replace filters and consider having your ductwork inspected for leaks.

Problem: Higher Than Expected Energy Bills

Possible causes:

• Dirty filters are making the system work harder

• Thermostat programmed inefficiently

• System needing maintenance

• Air leaks in the home

Solution: A fresh filter is often the first step. According to multiple studies, a dirty filter can increase energy consumption by forcing the system to work harder to maintain airflow.

How to Choose the Right Filter for Your Home

Understanding MERV Ratings

MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings range from 1 to 20, with higher numbers indicating better particle capture. For most residential systems, filters rated 8-13 provide an excellent balance of filtration and airflow.

MERV 8: Captures dust, pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. Good for homes without significant allergy concerns.

MERV 11: Captures everything MERV 8 does, plus pet dander, finer dust, and some bacteria. Ideal for homes with pets or mild allergies.

MERV 13: Captures smoke, smog particles, and virus carriers. ASHRAE recommends MERV 13 filters as a good option for achieving high filtration in residential settings.

Check Your System's Capacity

Before upgrading to a higher MERV filter, verify your system can handle the increased air resistance. Higher efficiency filters can restrict airflow in systems not designed for them. Check your owner's manual or consult an HVAC professional if you're unsure.

FAQs

How often should I change my air filter in winter?

During winter months when your HVAC system runs frequently, check your filter monthly and replace it every 30 to 60 days for 1-inch filters or every 60 to 90 days for pleated filters. Homes with pets, allergy sufferers, or high dust levels may need even more frequent changes. Heavy system use during cold months means filters capture more particles and need replacement sooner than during mild weather.

What MERV rating should I use for my home?

For most residential HVAC systems, MERV 8 to 13 filters provide effective filtration without restricting airflow. MERV 8 handles standard household dust and pollen, MERV 11 adds pet dander and finer particles, and MERV 13 captures smoke and virus-sized particles. Always verify your system can handle higher MERV ratings before upgrading, as some older systems may experience airflow issues.

Can I use my furnace and air conditioner with the same filter?

Yes, most combined HVAC systems use a single filter for both heating and cooling. The filter is typically located near the furnace or air handler and cleans the air regardless of whether you're heating or cooling. This makes maintenance simpler since you only need to track one filter replacement schedule for year-round comfort.

Why is indoor air quality worse in winter?

Winter indoor air quality suffers because we seal our homes to conserve heat, reducing fresh air exchange. Meanwhile, indoor activities like cooking, cleaning, and heating all add pollutants to the air. The EPA reports that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, making regular filter changes especially important during colder months when windows stay closed.

Are eco-friendly air filters as effective as traditional filters?

Yes, modern plant-based filters with nanofiber technology perform comparably to traditional synthetic filters. Aerterra's corn-based filters are available in MERV 8, 11, and 13 ratings, meeting the same filtration standards as conventional filters. The difference is in the materials, which are renewable and have a lower environmental impact than petroleum-derived synthetics.

How does a filter subscription service work?

Subscription services deliver replacement filters on your chosen schedule, typically every 1 to 3 months depending on your needs. With Aerterra's subscription, you select your filter size, MERV rating, and delivery frequency. Filters ship with free delivery, and you can pause, modify, or cancel anytime through your account. This eliminates the need to remember replacement dates or make last-minute store trips.

What are signs that my air filter needs changing immediately?

Replace your filter immediately if you notice: visible dust or debris covering the filter surface, reduced airflow from vents, increased dust on furniture, allergy symptoms among family members, the filter appears collapsed or damaged, or you detect musty odors from vents. Waiting too long to replace a dirty filter can damage your HVAC system and significantly reduce indoor air quality.

When should I call a professional for HVAC maintenance?

Schedule professional HVAC maintenance at least once per year, ideally before peak heating or cooling seasons. Call a professional immediately if you notice: unusual noises from your system, inconsistent heating or cooling, significant increases in energy bills, the system short-cycling (turning on and off frequently), or any burning smells or visible damage to components.

Additional Resources

For more information on indoor air quality and HVAC maintenance, explore these authoritative sources:

• EPA Guide to Indoor Air Quality

• ENERGY STAR HVAC Maintenance Checklist

• ASHRAE Filtration and Disinfection Resources

• American Lung Association: Indoor Air Quality and Winter

• NADCA: Why Winter Filter Changes Matter

Start 2026 Breathing Easier

The new year offers a perfect opportunity to reset your home maintenance habits, and your HVAC system deserves a prominent place on that list. By following this January checklist, regularly replacing your air filters, and considering sustainable options for your home, you're investing in cleaner air, lower energy bills, and a healthier living environment.

The best part? These improvements don't require significant investments or professional skills. A fresh-air filter and a few minutes of inspection can make a meaningful difference in how your home feels and functions throughout the year.

Ready to check "replace air filter" off your January to-do list?

• Shop Aerterra air filters by size

• Start a subscription for automatic delivery

• Learn more about our eco-friendly approach

• Discover our reforestation partnership

• Read more home air quality tips on our blog

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. For specific HVAC system recommendations, please consult with a licensed HVAC professional who can evaluate your particular system and home requirements. Indoor air quality improvements may vary based on home size, system type, local environmental conditions, and individual health factors. Energy savings estimates depend on multiple variables, including system age, usage patterns, and local utility rates. For health concerns related to indoor air quality, please consult with a healthcare provider.