Almost everyone knows they have an AC filter that needs changing periodically, but it’s easy to forget about it. Neglecting it, however, can reduce your home’s comfort while increasing cooling costs. Use this guide to better understand why it’s critical to change your filter and how often you should expect to do so.
Greater Cooling Efficiency
With any HVAC system, a simple rule of thumb is that less air equals less efficiency. Neglecting your air conditioner’s filter allows it to clog, restricting the airflow through the system. Checking and changing it regularly ensures air can continue flowing through it, allowing cooled air to flow throughout your home.
Fewer AC Repairs and Longer Life Span
Inefficiency and wear go hand in hand for air conditioners. When the system runs less efficiently for any reason, it increases the wear on the equipment. With restricted airflow from neglected filters, this wear comes through extra strain on the compressor and circulating fan motor. It also increases the risk of freezes at the evaporator coil, something that can accelerate corrosion and lead to refrigerant leaks.
Replacing your AC’s air filter at the appropriate time prevents the most common airflow restriction. The underlying result is that you’ll have fewer repairs and extend the life span of your system.
Better Air Quality
Your home’s air quality affects your health, your comfort, and your air conditioner’s cooling efficiency. The AC filter is the first and primary tool in helping improve your indoor air quality. Less air moving through the filter removes fewer airborne contaminants. Additionally, neglected filters allow some contaminants to proliferate when there’s excessive buildup, causing odors and exacerbated health issues.
More Consistent Temperature
Maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your home isn’t rocket science, but many find it elusive. Unfortunately, the leading culprit behind an inconsistent temperature is an airflow restriction somewhere in the system, often originating with a neglected filter.
To distribute conditioned air, your system pushes cool air from the supply vents, creating positive air pressure. At the same time, it’s drawing in warm air through the return vents, creating negative air pressure. The conditioned positive pressure flows toward the negative pressure, helping circulate the cool air. Changing your filter regularly aids in the system developing the pressure needed for circulation.
How Often Your Filter Needs Changing
The frequency with which you need to change your air filter depends on the filter size, your home’s air quality, and how you use your system. Generally, the worse your air quality and the more you run your circulating fan, the more often it will need changing.
The general rule of thumb is that 1- and 2-inch filters need changing every 30 to 90 days, while 3- and 4-inch filters need changing every six to nine months, and 5- or 6-inch filters require it every nine months to one year. Ideally, check your filter every month, regardless of size, so you can keep an eye on its condition.
When your AC needs repair or maintenance it may not utilize the filter as effectively as it’s intended to. Call to schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit in the Helena, MT area with one of our expert technicians at Big Sky.