If you have ever asked yourself whether it was necessary to change your air conditioner filter, the answer is definitely “Yes”! Changing the air filters in your AC system is an essential procedure that ensures circulation of clean air throughout your entire home. Without a clean air filter, your AC unit is under more pressure while operating and is prone to more breakdowns. In this article, we will discuss the importance of changing an air filter and the signs that it needs to be changed.
Why Changing Your AC Filter is Important
Regular maintenance for your air conditioning system is important because it increases its efficiency and improves its performance. Replacing your AC filter is a key part of that maintenance process. Some of the most important benefits of regular AC filter replacement include reduced chance of the unit breakdowns, improved indoor air quality and AC peak performance.
How often you need to change the air filter depends on a variety of factors. Ideally, you should change an air filter every three months. If you have pets or suffer from allergies, you need to change it more often. If you haven’t changed your AC filter in a long time, the following signs are indications that it needs replacing.
One clear sign that your AC filter needs replacing is when the back of the AC unit is too hot. Sometimes, you will feel warm air coming out of the back of the unit, this is a signal that the AC filter is very dirty. A clogged filter forces the air conditioner to work harder in order to cool the house. This might lead to more frequent AC repairs, shortening the lifespan of the unit.
If you notice that your air conditioner isn’t cooling the air as it normally does or is blowing warm air, the first thing to check would be the AC filter. However, if the air filter is not the problem, our experienced HVAC service technician from Brea Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning can investigate the problem and perform the needed maintenance.
When the electricity bill is higher than usual, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the reason. In Pomona Valley we expect higher electric bills during the summer months because we rely so heavily on air conditioning when the heat becomes unbearable. But it could also be a poorly functioning AC system or a dirty air filter. This is why regular AC filter replacement is crucial.
Dust particles and pet dander cling to the AC filter more often than you think. When the filter becomes packed with such pollutants, they’ll eventually get blown out and circulate in the air throughout your home. As a result, you might suffer from allergies more often.
The AC system is meant to improve your home’s indoor air quality rather than worsen it. Keep the AC filter clean, and consider buying an air purifier if you don’t have one. You should soon notice a decrease in allergy symptoms.
If there is dust on surfaces and furniture near the vents, it is a sure sign that your AC filter is dirty. If it is unclear, compare the surfaces near the vents and other surfaces. If further surfaces appear cleaner, it’s best to replace your AC filter asap.
The AC filter is not the most complicated part of an air conditioning system, yet it can considerably affect its efficiency and your home air quality. Avoid these problems by remembering to check and replace your AC filters regularly (every 3-6 months depending on the signs described above). At Brea Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning we make it easy for you to distinguish if the AC filter causes any problems or it might be another issue. Contact us today!
Brea, CA 92821 | (714) 919-3992
