Several factors determine how often you need to change your air filter. The type of filter, the age of the filter, and what is in your environment will affect how often you need to change it. Generally speaking, you should look at changing your AC filter every 60-90 days unless it gets so dirty that it’s putting a strain on your AC system.
Read on to understand better how often you should change your AC filters.
The size of the filter
The filter pulls in dust and other particles from the air while running your AC. If you don’t clean or change the filters regularly, they will collect a lot of dirt. Eventually, there can be so much dust on the filter that it blocks airflow and causes the AC to work less efficiently.
If you have a 1-2″ pleated filter common in many homes, clean it with your vacuum cleaner’s hose attachment at least once every three months. Otherwise, replace it every three months rather than waiting for it to become dirty before replacing it. Filters are not expensive and are easy to replace if your system has a disposable filter.
If you have a 4″ or 5″ pleated filter, an easy rule is to change it every six to 12 months. However, many factors can affect how often your filter should be changed. These include: How often you use your air conditioner and whether you open the windows during any part of the year.
The type of filter you are using
Filters come in a variety of types and qualities. Fiberglass filters tend to last longer than other filters because they do not easily let dust particles pass through them. However, if you live in an area with many dust particles, fiberglass filters may not suit you since they tend to get clogged quickly.
On the other hand, electrostatic filters are more expensive than other types. Still, they are also more effective at trapping dust particles than other types of filters. Electrostatic AC filters can trap up to 99 percent of dust particles that enter your home through your air conditioning vents and ducts.
You may need to change your filter more often during peak seasons
Depending on the season, you may need to change your filter more or less frequently. The majority of individuals use their air conditioning system more in the summer and less in the winter.
This means that when your AC is running more frequently, it is likely collecting dust from your home’s air at a faster rate, making your filter dirtier than if you used your AC less often.
Conversely, because you likely run your AC less often in the winter, this results in a slower accumulation of dust on the filter, meaning you won’t have to change it as much as you do in summer.
Aside from the seasonal variance in how quickly your filter becomes dirty, certain things influence how quickly filters become dirty all year (e.g., pets).
Whether you have pets with you or not
If you live alone in an apartment with no pets and don’t use your AC often, you can probably get away with changing your air filter once every two months. If you live in a house and have pets, you may need to change it more frequently, such as once a month or every six weeks. If you have outdoor animals who track in dirt and mud on their paws, this can also affect the filter.
Suppose you have multiple pets or suffer from allergies or asthma. In that case, you will probably need to change your air filters even more frequently. You should also check it at least once every few weeks – even if it doesn’t look like it needs changing.
Allergies or asthma
You may need to change your filter more often if you have allergies or asthma. If pet dander is trapped inside the filter, it can cause allergy attacks in some people. The buildup of mold spores on the filter may also lead to respiratory problems. Dust mites and other allergens can build up inside the filter, affecting people with allergies.
If you’re concerned about air quality in your home, purchase a high-efficiency air filter (i.e., HEPA). This type of filter traps dust and other particles from your home’s air supply much better than standard filters do, so you won’t have to worry about changing it as often.
If the filter is hard to pull out of the unit, it’s time for a new one
Every time you change your AC filter, it will be slightly more difficult to remove from the unit. The filter becomes clogged with dust and dirt from trapping particles in the air. If you cannot pull out an old filter without a great deal of effort, or if you are unable to remove it at all, then it’s time for a replacement.
Clogged filters
When your filter is too worn or soiled from use, air cannot travel through it easily any longer. This causes strain on your AC unit as it works harder to push air through before cooling it down. The excess strain can cause damage to the motor and blower parts of your AC unit over time – which can lead to costly repairs or replacement costs later down the line!
The Bottom Line
The two main determining factors for how often to change your air conditioning filter are size and seasonal use. It’s simple; the larger your filter, the longer it will last. But if you have a large home with multiple HVAC systems, your filters need to be replaced more regularly. If you live in a hot climate and run your AC almost constantly, you’ll likely need to replace the filters monthly.
In temperate climates where AC is used only periodically, you need to change them every three months. Of course, other factors can come into play here too. Click here https://www.directac123.com/air-conditioner/ to get professional help on changing filters.
