Dust and dirt that accumulate around air conditioner vents may be caused by a clogged air filter. The filter looks dirty or clogged. It takes longer to heat or cool the house. The most obvious sign that you need a new air filter is if the one you have is gray and dirty.
Be sure to take out the air filter and take a look at it at least once every two months. If it appears to be dirty or dusty, it's time to change it. Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies suggest changing it every 90 days or 3 months. This can vary 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 at home, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and in the case of homes with several pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing the filter every 20 to 45 days. Vacation homes or empty houses that don't get much use usually wait to change the filters every 9 to 12 months. The more you use your home, the more often you'll need to change the air filter. The only real way to know if it's time to replace your air conditioner filter is to check it from time to time.
To do this, remove the air conditioner filter and hold it in front of the light. If you can't see through the filter, it's time to use a new one. Below you will find step-by-step instructions on how to change the filter. If you feel like your house isn't cooling even when the air conditioner is on, it can also be a sign that the air conditioner filter is dirty.
Creating a seasonal list of home maintenance tasks and changing the filter according to a calendar is a great idea. Your home air filter usually needs to be replaced once every one to six months, with an average of every three months. In smaller homes, the air conditioning system has to move less air, which may mean that air filters are replaced less frequently. Changing your air conditioner filter regularly not only helps improve the quality and condition of your home's air, but it can also save you money over time.
These air conditioning filters help purify the air from dust and pollen, which can help reduce itchy eyes and sneezing for those who suffer from it. A vacation home where you only live part-time, for example, will need far fewer filter changes than a large family home with many occupants. You'll find it easier to remember this important task if, first of all, you know how often you should change your air filter. It would be easier to change all air filters on a set schedule, but sadly, there are a lot of variables that influence how often a filter should be changed.
The best filter options will have a balance between good quality and good air flow, which is usually a filter with a MERV rating of between 6 and 8.Not only can a dirty air filter cause illness, but clean air has been shown to improve physical and mental health. But when the air conditioning filter is covered with a layer of dust, it can not only impair the operation of the system and cause costly repairs, but it also renders the filter unusable. If you notice dust and dirt accumulating near or around your home's ventilation grilles, it may be a sign that your air conditioner unit's air filter is dirty and needs immediate attention. However, beyond that, there are other compelling reasons why you need to replace a dirty air filter.
Knowing when to replace an old air conditioner filter is essential for keeping your home comfortable while avoiding costly repairs or replacements down the line. It's important to check your filters regularly so that they don't become clogged with dirt and debris. This will help ensure that your system runs efficiently and effectively while also improving indoor air quality. To make sure that your air conditioner is running optimally all year round, make sure to check your filters regularly and replace them as needed.
This will help keep your system running smoothly while also improving indoor air quality.
