Keeping your air conditioning system running smoothly requires routine maintenance. One of the most important steps in this process is changing the air filter regularly. The filter in your air conditioning system traps dirt and other contaminants in the air stream before they reach the rest of your home. If the filter gets too dirty, it can reduce your system’s efficiency and increase the amount of energy it takes to cool your home. Additionally, dirty filters can cause other problems such as reducing air flow and increasing the amount of dust and debris in your home.

How often should you change your filter?

The EPA recommends changing your HVAC air filter every three months. This can reduce the amount of dust and other contaminants in the air, improving the quality of your indoor air and lowering your energy bills. Dirty or clogged air filters can also decrease the life of your HVAC system. If you live in a dusty area, you may need to change your filter more frequently. If you have pets or live in a humid climate, you may need to change your filter more often. If you have allergies or asthma, you may want to change your filter more frequently.

How to change your air conditioning filter

The first step in changing your filter is locating the filter. HVAC systems use large metal or plastic filter baskets that are usually located in the central part of the house. The filter baskets are often attached to a duct, so you may need to remove the duct cover to access them. The filter baskets may also be built into a wall-mounted air handler or air conditioning unit. You can purchase replacement filters at most hardware and home improvement stores. Some filters are disposable, while others can last for several months. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to determine how often to change your filter. When changing your filter, be sure to dispose of the old filter properly to avoid clogging your HVAC system.

When to replace the air conditioner filter

If you have pets, you should change your filter more frequently. Pets shed fur and other particles that can clog up your filter and cause other issues with your HVAC system. If you live in a humid climate, you should change your filter more frequently. Humidity can cause your HVAC system to work harder to cool your home. This can decrease your system’s efficiency. If you have allergies or asthma, you should change your filter more frequently. Dirty filters can increase the amount of dust and other contaminants in the air, increasing your risk of allergies or asthma attacks.

How to clean your air conditioning filter

You can clean your filter by using a hose and washing it off outside your home. Be sure to use a hose that does not have chemicals in it. This will help you avoid damaging your HVAC system. You can also clean your filter by rinsing it with a hose and detergent inside your home. You can use a small amount of dish soap or a mild cleaning solution. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to clean your filter. You may want to wear gloves, as you may come into contact with chemicals in your filter.

Conclusion

Air filters are an essential part of any HVAC system. They trap dirt and other contaminants in the air before they reach your home. Without filters, your HVAC system would be working much harder to push air through the system. This can lead to higher energy bills and an increase in wear and tear on your HVAC system. To keep your air filters clean and working properly, be sure to change them regularly. You can also clean them to extend their life and prevent them from becoming dirty too quickly.

Frequently Asked Question

Change your AC filter every 90 days. Most manufacturers recommend this, especially at the start of a new season. Make sure to replace them with the correct sizes and dimensions. If your AC manufacturer has a specific recommendation you may contact air filter manufacturers to customize one for you.
Once your Air Conditioning Unit is too hot, then it is a sign that you may need to replace your air filter because your unit is doing more work than usual, to reach its desired output. In the long run, it will damage your unit. Once the air is not cold enough, then you need to check your filters as well. Failure to frequently change your unit will increase your electricity bill since your unit is working double the usual. You get more allergy and respiratory attacks plus there is more dust on the air vents.
Changing your AC filter is part of your maintenance at home. The air you breathe depends on the quality or state of your air filter. How your unit performs also depends on your usage and how often you change your air filters. If you want your unit to stay longer, you ought to follow the recommended frequency of air filter replacement.
An air filter is responsible for cleaning or removing visible to microscopic pollution that is passing through your HVAC. It is important in keeping your air quality clean and breathable. It also keeps allergies away, especially to those sensitive to dust. It also protects your unit from further damage.
Once you have a dirty filter, expect your allergies to get triggered. You’ll soon get headaches, chest tightness and respiratory diseases. Despite your doctor’s treatment, without removing the culprit of your symptoms, it might get worse or will keep coming back again.