air conditioning filter

 

Knowing when to change the filter for your air conditioner in your home is important. Several factors determine when your filters need to be changed. The main thing to remember is if it looks dirty, change it immediately. You should not wait until the filter is completely clogged, because that means your cooling system is not running at its full potential.

Type of Filter

One of the main indicators how often you need to change the filter in your home is what type of filter you buy.  Filters vary from each other in several ways. This is based on what materials they’re made with, if they are pleated or panel, the thickness, and other variations. The filter should be replaced based on the recommend schedule it has. Some can be changed monthly, while others can last several months. If you are not sure how often to change it, contact us, and we can advise you on the correct schedule.

Those in your Home

Another main factor in how often you should change the filter is based on who is living in the home. If anyone in your home suffers from allergies, the filter should be changed more often than recommended. This will help remove more of the allergens from the air in your home. If the filter is full and dirty, it won’t be able to trap them.

Do you have Pets?

Another occupant to consider when deciding how soon filters need to be changed is any pets that you have in your home. Most household pets shed, and their hair and dander gets everywhere. This includes the air and filters in your home. Over time, this will alter the performance of your cooling system. If you have several pets, you may need to change the filter more often. Also, depending on the time of the year, you will have to adjust when you change the filter. Your pets will shed more in during the summer, so you may have to check the filters more often.

Replacing a dirty filter can lower your air conditioner’s energy use by as much as 10 percent. Not only will it save you money on your energy bills, but it also can save you money on your cooling system. A dirty filter can restrict the air flow through the system, causing the air conditioner to work harder. This will cause wear and can create issues that possibly require repairs. It also leads to continuous wear and can lower the lifespan of the air conditioner.