Understanding the Importance of Regularly Replacing Your Air Conditioner Filter

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As many of us start to rely on our AC units to keep our home cool as the temperatures rise and the summer heat becomes more intense, there’s one key factor of AC maintenance that gets overlooked: the filter. So, today, we’ll be talking about how often and you should be changing your AC filter, as well as why it is essential in maintaining air quality and maximizing the efficiency of your unit.

How often should I change my AC filter?

How often you should change your air conditioner filter depends on several factors, including:

  • the type of filter you have
  • the level of indoor air pollution
  • and how often you use your air conditioner

As a general guideline, we recommend that it is replaced every 30-45 days. This is especially true if you have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty environment. If you’re using high-energy filters, such as HEPA filters, they may have longer lifespans ranging from 6-12 months. However, you should still be checking your filters regularly for dirt buildup to ensure you are changing them in a timely manner.

Why Change Your AC Filter Regularly?

Improved Indoor Air Quality:

A main reason to change your air conditioner filter regularly is to ensure good indoor air quality. Over time, the filter collects dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles. These can end up circulating throughout your home if not properly filtered out. If you breathe these contaminants in, it could exacerbate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. By keeping a schedule for when you replace your AC filter, you can make sure that your AC unit effectively captures and removes these pollutants. Therefore, allowing you to breathe cleaner and fresher air.

Optimized Energy Efficiency:

Another reason to regularly swap out your filter is that is can impact the efficiency of your system. If the filter becomes obstructed with debris, it restricts the airflow. This makes your AC unit have to work harder to keep the desired temperature in the home. Unfortunately, this doesn’t only put unnecessary strain on the system, but also increases energy consumption. Ultimately, increasing your utility costs. Instead, replace your filter regularly to maintain proper airflow, improve energy efficiency, and prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner.

Preventative Maintenance:

Lastly, by regularly switching out your AC filter, you are ensuring a critical part of preventative maintenance is completed. By neglecting the filter, it can lead to more serious issues down the line, such as:

  • frozen coils
  • compressor failure
  • and reduced cooling capacity

Instead, if you remain proactive and stick to a schedule for replacing your filter, you can prevent costly repairs and keep your unit operating smoothly and efficiently all season long.

At the end of the day, we cannot overstate the importance of changing your AC filter regularly enough. By doing so, you maintain good air quality, optimize energy efficiency, and prolong the lifespan of your system. So, next time you’re wondering how often you should be changing your AC filter, remember that a little bit of maintenance can go a long way in ensuring you stay comfortable and healthy at home.

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2024/04/27