Dust and dirt that accumulate around air conditioner vents may be a sign that your air filter is clogged. The most obvious indication that you need a new air filter is if the one you have is gray and dirty. It's important to take out the air filter and take a look at it at least once every two months. If it looks dirty or dusty, it's time to change it.
A clogged air filter will cause the air conditioning system to work overtime because it will have to use more force to push the same amount of air through the filter. If that section of the carpet looks visibly dusty or coated with an ash-like substance, it's time to replace the 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 quality of the air provided by an air conditioning unit depends on a myriad of factors, such as pollution in the area, pets, the number of people in the house, and even the number of people with chronic allergies.
Regular cleaning will keep the air conditioner working properly, and you can choose to change the filter every 15 days. Be sure to take out the air filter and take a look at it at least once every two months. If it looks dirty or dusty, swap it out. If the filter is dirty, it restricts airflow and makes it difficult for your home's heating or cooling system to do its job effectively.
If you or a loved one suddenly start to have allergy symptoms, such as a sore throat, red eyes, or a runny nose, you'll want to take a look at the air filter. Changing your air conditioner filter is one of the most important things you can do as an owner to protect your air conditioning equipment. Now that you know the problems a dirty or clogged air filter can create, you'll want to switch yours right away. This is because the harder your air conditioner unit tries to work, the more power it will require to run stationary.
A good indicator of whether air filters are old and dirty is to compare surfaces immediately close to ventilation with other areas on the surface. To no avail, air conditioning manufacturers often include phrases such as “change the filter every one to three months or as needed” in their product manuals. This will help ensure that you can proactively fix the problem before it causes poor air quality or other problems. It's important for homeowners to understand when they need to replace their AC filters in order to keep their home's air quality healthy and their AC unit running efficiently.
To ensure that your AC unit is running optimally and providing clean air for your family, make sure you check your filters regularly and replace them when necessary.
