Do You Need To Change Your AC Filter?
Some homeowners have trouble remembering to change their air conditioner filter. Regularly changing an AC filter is important for maintaining the efficiency of the air conditioner unit and keeping air in a home clean.
How often you need to change your AC filter will depend to some extent on what model air conditioner your have. In general, your filter will need to be changed once every one to three months during seasons when your air conditioner is in use.
You should make a point of changing your filter at the start of the summer season when temperatures rise and you begin relying on your air conditioner to maintain a comfortable home interior.
In addition, you should change your air filter if you notice any of the following:
- Visible clogs on the air filter that prevent air from passing through. A filter in such condition can allow dust to get into your air handler, and this could significantly lower air quality in the home.
- Mold growth on the filter. Mold in your air conditioner and in your ducts can be very unhealthy and can cause residents of your home to suffer from respiratory ailments.
- An air filter that is falling apart or displaying structural problems. If your air filter has failing parts- for example, a damaged cardboard exterior- it may not properly filter air. Structural damage to the air filter often occurs because of bending or buckling at the edges of an AC unit.
AC filters tend to be inexpensive and easy to pick up at a home improvement store. Because they're so easy to come by, you should really replace your AC filter any time you're in doubt. Those who live in areas with particularly hot summers or very dusty air might want to check their filters frequently throughout the summer to make sure that they are still functioning effectively.
Taking advantage of modern HVAC technology
Some newer thermostats are capable of providing information on the condition of various HVAC components. There are thermostats out on the market today that are able to indicate the condition of the air filter. These thermostats might even be able to notify you when your filter is due for a change.
If you're prone to forgetting when your air filter needs to be changed, you should look into a thermostat that will remind you. Ask your HVAC technician like one from Mike Kearsley's All Service if there are any thermostats on the market that offer this feature and would be compatible with your home's HVAC system.
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