The air conditioning filter is an essential part of your home's air conditioning system. It helps to keep the air clean and free of pollutants, and it also helps to keep your system running efficiently. However, it can usually be found in the air. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months.
This may change depending on the location of your home (e.g., dusty and dry weather), if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. If you have pets at home, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and in the case of households with several pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend that you change the filter every 20 to 45 days. Usually, vacation homes or empty houses that aren't used much can wait to change filters every 9 to 12 months. The general consensus is that the more you use your home, the more you'll need to change your air filter. A clear sign that the air conditioner filter needs to be replaced is when the back of the unit is too hot. If the filter is very dirty, you may even feel hot air coming out of the back of the unit.
A clogged filter forces the air conditioner to work harder to keep the house cool. This will lead to more frequent air conditioner repairs and will ultimately shorten the life of the unit. Reduce the load by simply changing the air conditioning filter regularly. In most cases, brown accumulations in an air conditioner filter are simply household dust, pollen, pet dander, pet hair, and other particles in the air that the filter is designed to remove. The Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) is a rating that indicates how efficient a particular filter is at cleaning the air. But what happens if you let that time go by a little? Before we talk about WHEN you should change your air filter, let's start with WHY.
As a general rule, it's a good idea to replace your HVAC system air filter every month. If you have allergies and are sensitive to air pollutants, it's a good idea to change your air filters every 30 to 45 days. Vacant vacation homes, depending on how often you use the system, may change the air filter every 6 to 12 months. The air conditioning filter isn't the most complicated part of an air conditioning system, but it can dramatically affect your efficiency and your home's air quality. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), this filtration helps provide healthier indoor air quality. Some may accept air filters with higher ratings, but if you climb too high, you can introduce an airflow restriction that reduces efficiency as much as a dirty air filter does.
If you notice that your air conditioner doesn't cool down as it normally does or that it blows hot air, the first thing you should check is the air conditioning filter. However, for every pet you have in your home, expect to get 30 fewer days of operation from your air filter. If you have questions about replacing your air filter or if you need any air conditioning or heating service, Energy Air can help.
