As a homeowner, you know that there is nothing more important than making sure your home stays comfortable and healthy. Regular maintenance of things like air conditioning can impact the quality of life in your household – but one often overlooked area of your AC’s upkeep is the filters!
It sounds minor, but swapping out worn or clogged-up filters on time can greatly benefit your comfort and energy bill. Here we discuss four great reasons why you should always keep up with regular filter changes for your AC unit. You can also visit Hurliman, an HVAC provider, for additional info on topics like preventing freezing within your AC.
What are air filters, and how do they work?
Air filters in air conditioner units are an essential part of their design. They provide a crucial layer of protection by filtering dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the flow of air that passes through the air conditioning system. By trapping these particles, they can greatly reduce the number of particles circulating around your home.
Air filters work by passing the air through tiny spaces, which traps larger particles and lets the smaller ones pass through. The filter needs to be regularly changed or cleaned – how often depends on the system – because once it becomes clogged with dirt and debris, its efficiency is greatly reduced.
Essential to keeping indoor air clean and debris-free
We’ve established that filters help keep the air inside your home clean and free of debris and dust particles that affect air quality. Replaceable filters are often located at the intake vents or in return-air duct systems and come in a variety of materials with diverse levels of filtering efficiency.
Depending on their location, some may need to be changed once a month, while others can last up to 6 months. Not only does replacing filters improve indoor air quality, but it also helps maximize your AC’s lifespan by allowing it to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Therefore, having regularly scheduled filter changes is key for the efficient and effective operation of your AC unit as well as safe and healthy air quality.
Regular replacement prevents blockages and inefficient operation
If your home air filter is not regularly changed, it could become clogged with dust, dander, and other particles. This clogging can be a big problem because it means the unit must work harder to keep up its airflow and efficiency, resulting in higher electricity bills.
Furthermore, the reduced airflow can cause dirt to back up in the system, leading to premature wear and tear on its components. That’s why many HVAC professionals recommend replacing filters at least every three months. Doing so will help ensure optimal performance from your furnace or air conditioner while minimizing utility costs and extending its lifespan in the long run.
Reduces energy usage and maintains unit lifespan
Keeping your AC filter clean is essential to avoid costly energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your unit. Old, dirty filters not only let fewer air particles through but also force your air conditioning system to use more energy in order to reach and maintain the desired temperature. This can add up quickly when you must pay larger monthly electricity bills.
Also, dirty filters can cause an even bigger problem: blocked airflow from the system, which then leads to components like motors being overworked and burning out prematurely, negating any future repairs that could be made. Maintaining clean filters is the best way of ensuring your AC remains running at optimal levels and helping you save money in the long run.
Maintains indoor comfort for you and your family
Keeping your air filters clean is the best way to ensure your home cooling system runs efficiently during those hot summer months. The recommended practice for changing your air filter is every 3-4 months or more if you have pets, smokers in the home, or suffer from allergies.
Regularly replacing your air filter isn’t only important for optimizing your system’s performance, but it will help to reduce electric bills and maintain high-quality indoor air. In addition, regularly cleaning and changing your filters helps extend their lifespan while also improving the overall airflow of your system.
So don’t wait until next summer – make sure you’re upkeeping your filters now and throughout the year to keep your home life cool and comfortable!
Endnote
There are many benefits to changing your AC filters regularly – from improving your air quality to prolonging the lifespan of your unit. If you’re not sure how often to change your filters or what type of filter is best for your home, consult your local HVAC company. They will be able to advise you on a maintenance schedule and can even perform regular servicing to ensure that your AC unit is running efficiently all summer long.
