Why It’s Important To Replace the Air Filter
As a homeowner or just someone who lives in a modern dwelling, there are certain tasks that need to be completed to ensure that home and its amenities stay functional and healthy. Changing the filter in the central AC unit is one of these tasks. Keeping a clean filter in service is vital to the health of the air conditioning system and it is also vital to indoor air quality. When dirty filters are allowed to stay in service, dust and grime build up inside the unit and inside indoor air.
This article will share some information about why changing the air filter is important and how often it needs to be done.
Signs That It's Time To Change the Air Filter
The best way to ensure the home has a clean air filter is to determine how often to change the filter and stick to a schedule. To determine that maintenance schedule, look for these signs:
- Higher Energy Bills: Dirty filters restrict air movement from the system. As a result, the unit cannot work as efficiently and bills will go up.
- Less Cold Air: Because a dirty air filter restricts air movement, it can leave homeowners with a warm and uncomfortable home.
- Allergies And Respiratory Ailments: Dirty air filters leave more allergens, pollen, and dust in indoor air, which can worsen allergy symptoms.
- Visible Dust: When the filter is not doing its job, there will be more visible dust in the air and on surfaces.
Indoor air has been proven to be more polluted than outdoor air, and to prevent this, it’s important to keep the filter changed regularly.
Benefits of Keeping a Clean Filter
Apart from the health benefits of keeping a clean filter to clean air, there are mechanical and financial benefits to keeping the filters changed. Dirty air is not good for the internal parts of the air conditioner. The dust and grime will stick to the coils, blowers, and ducts and prevent it from operating efficiently which will cost money in operation and in repairs.
By keeping a clean filter, homeowners can prevent the damage that dust and contaminants do to the inside of their air conditioner as well as the inside of their body. This improves health and sleep, resulting in an overall better standard of living.
How Often Should Filters Be Replaced?
How often a homeowner changes their filter depends on the amount of pollution in the indoor air and the quality of the filter they use. If they live in a dusty environment or have pets, they will need to change their filter more often. Allergy-sufferers will also benefit from more frequent replacements, sometimes as often as bi-monthly.
People with pets would generally benefit from changing filters every 90 days. A regular household with no pets can usually go six months before changing is necessary. The best practice is to look around the home for signs that the filter needs to be changed and adjust the schedule accordingly.
About Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc
Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc has been a locally-owned indoor air quality company in Seaside, CA for over 35 years. Their licensed and clean-cut technicians are ready to offer customers same-day service and prompt emergency service if the worst happens.
