You might think that an air conditioner is a self-contained appliance that doesn’t require much maintenance. In fact, regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your unit and keeping indoor air quality as clean as possible. One of the easiest ways to do this is by changing your air conditioning filter regularly.Air filters trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other harmful particles that are drawn into your air conditioner through the grill on the outside of the unit. Without a filter, these harmful substances can build up inside the system and cause serious problems like reduced airflow, increased energy consumption, and even permanent damage to your unit. For these reasons, it’s important to change your filter at least once a month to avoid any inconveniences or safety risks associated with dirty filters.

How to change an air conditioner filter

To change a filter, locate the filter drawer in the unit and remove the existing filter. Then, install the new filter in its place. Make sure to follow the filter manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging your unit. If you’re in doubt about what filter to use, contact your HVAC technician for assistance.

Why do air conditioner filters need to be changed so often?

Air filters trap harmful particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander that are drawn into your air conditioner through the grill on the outside of the unit. Without a filter, these substances can build up inside the system and cause serious problems like reduced airflow, increased energy consumption, and even permanent damage to your unit.For these reasons, it’s important to change your filter at least once a month to avoid any inconveniences or safety risks associated with dirty filters.

5 signs your air conditioning filter needs replacing

- The filter is dirty and black. Dirt and dust build up on a filter over time, and a dirty filter will reduce the amount of air that can pass through it. This can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner and increase your energy bills.- The filter is yellow or orange. If a filter is this color, it may contain a high amount of chemicals that can be harmful to your health.- The filter is wet and clumpy. If a filter is wet, it may have absorbed too much moisture from the air and may need to be replaced.- The filter has an unpleasant smell. Dirty filters can emit a foul, musty smell.- The unit is noisy. If the unit is making a lot of noise when it’s running, it may be a sign that the filter needs to be replaced.

3 signs your air conditioning filter is ready to be changed again

- The filter is clean and doesn’t smell. Dirty filters can emit a foul, musty smell.- The filter is clean and doesn’t have visible dust build up.- The filter is clean and doesn’t have an unpleasant smell.

Bottom line

Keeping your air conditioner clean is an important part of maintaining a healthy home, and regular filter changes are an essential part of this process. When a filter is dirty, it can reduce the efficiency of your unit and increase your energy bills. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s time to change your filter. Otherwise, you risk serious damage to your unit and a higher energy bill.

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.