Changing your air conditioner’s filter is one of the easiest and most important AC service actions you can do on your own. This action ensures your AC unit functions optimally, reduces energy bills and prevents future AC maintenance issues. But how frequently should you change your unit’s filter?
Manufacturer’s Recommendations
The manufacturers of basic air filters recommend that users should change them every 30-60 days. However, certain factors can affect the lifespan of your filter. They include:
How Often You Use Your AC
Perhaps you live in a mild climate, or the weather condition is such that you only put on your AC for a few hours every day; you may be able to manage one filter for 6 months or even more. If you, however, run your air conditioning system on a constant basis, you might need to change your filter every few weeks.
The Size of the Home
AC units in smaller homes pump a lesser amount of air for the same temperature change when compared with bigger homes. Thus, people living in bigger homes need to change their filter more frequently.
Quality of Air inside Your Home
This is largely determined by your environment. If you live in an industrial or dusty area, your filter would be doing a lot of work and you’ll need to change it more frequently. The same rules apply if you have pets in your home.
Frequent Filter Change Means Better Air Quality
The bottom line is that the more frequently you change your filter, the better the air quality in your home. If you have children in your home or you have people with allergies and certain respiratory conditions, you may consider changing your filter every other week or every three weeks.
Frequently changing your AC filter protects you from inhaling polluted air in your home, while forestalling incessant AC repairs. Thankfully, the process is easy and homeowners are expected to pull it off on their own. If you, however, have trouble changing your AC filter or if you have other AC maintenance needs, do not hesitate to contact the experts at Waychoff’s Air Conditioning.