Dirt and debris from the filter can obstruct airflow, increasing the workload of the cooling system. By replacing the filter regularly, you can reduce wear and tear on your air conditioner while allowing free air circulation to improve indoor comfort. Additionally, if you want to improve the air quality in your space by eliminating pollen, mold, and other harmful contaminants, you should invest in HEPA filters with a MERV rating of 10 or higher. A clear sign that the AC filter needs to be replaced is when the back of the unit is too hot. If the filter is heavily soiled, you may feel warm air coming out the back of the unit.
A clogged filter forces the air conditioner to work harder to keep the house cool, leading to more frequent air conditioning repairs and ultimately shortening the life of the unit. You can reduce the load by simply changing the AC filter regularly. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. That may change depending on the location of your home (e.g. dry and dusty climates), if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. If you have pets in the house, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months.
For households with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing the filter every 20-45 days. Usually, vacation homes or vacant homes that don't have much use can expect to change filters every 9-12 months. The general consensus is that the more you use your home, the more you need to change the air filter. No other factor affects the performance and efficiency of your air conditioning system as much as a dirty or clogged filter. A dirty filter can prevent airflow from your system.
When the air filter is clogged with dust, dirt, and grime, the boiler and air conditioner have to work twice as hard to move air around your home. This will increase your energy bills, increase your carbon footprint, and drain your budget. Air filters quickly become clogged with debris, especially in cooling stations when air conditioners operate around the clock. Failure to change the filter can mean you'll face repair costs, higher energy bills, and a shorter air conditioner life. In other words, replacing the AC filter is one of the easiest ways to ensure optimal system performance year after year. By removing the air filter from the air handler and holding it close to a light source, you can see if it's dirty or clogged; if you can't see light through it, it's definitely time to change it.
When an air conditioning filter becomes clogged, dust and dirt begin to enter into the unit itself, causing wear on parts. Air filters are usually made of spun fiberglass (the same as attic insulation) or & pleated paper framed with cardboard for added stability and rigidity. A dirty air filter will not allow fresh, refreshing air to pass through it properly, leaving you sitting in a pool of unpleasant sweat. If you have a large system with multiple air handlers and return ducts, finding all of them can be a challenge. Replacing a clogged or dirty filter can help make your home more comfortable because air flows freely through the system. The air cleaner and boiler filter replacement cycle is also affected by air outside and inside your home.
A tall MERV filter with a very tight mesh can be too much for some units, resulting in a situation much like a clogged air filter even right after changing it. Homeowners in Dallas TX are repeatedly encouraged to change their air filters in their homes but many don't regularly. As air moves through a building's HVAC system, air filters trap and pick up large and small particles such as dust, allergens and microorganisms. Air filters are generally inexpensive and changing them is a simple task that does not require a professional hand. You can hear it: Your HVAC technician is giving you lessons on how to make sure you change your air filter. The Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) is a rating that indicates how efficient a particular filter is at cleaning the air.
