What part of your air conditioner plays the smallest roll? Some people would probably say the air filter–it just sits there, after all. However, we’d beg to differ. The air filter plays a pretty vital role in protecting your AC system and allowing it to function correctly.
Changing out your air filter is an extremely important task. A clean filter can help your AC while a dirty filter can actually lead to not only hindered operation but even repair needs. Let’s talk about the role of your air filter and what you need to know about how frequently to change it out.
Why A Fresh Air Filter Is Important
The air filter for your HVAC system is there to keep dirt and other airborne contaminants out of your comfort systems. This filter actually protects both your AC and heater so keeping track of it is important year-round!
You want to keep your air filter as fresh as possible. Obviously, we aren’t suggesting you change it every day. But we are advising that you change it out somewhat frequently to prevent it from becoming too dirty. If your filter becomes clogged with dirt and other debris, it can cause a lot of problems for your AC (and your heater in the winter).
The Impact of Keeping a Dirty Filter In Place
You may be wondering what the consequences really are if you just left a dirty air filter in place. They aren’t good if we are being honest! Leaving a dirty air filter unaddressed can cause some of the following problems:
- Reduced airflow into your AC system: A dirty air filter can hinder the flow of air into your AC system. This can lead to poor cooling output and can also increase the amount of stress on your system.
- Dirtier airflow: A dirty air filter is also going to be less likely to capture particles in the air and keep them out of your comfort system.
- Increased risk of repair: Believe it or not, if a dirty filter sits in your system for too long, it can actually lead to a need for AC repair in Jefferson County, AL. Issues such as short cycling and even ice build-up in your air conditioner can be a result of this problem.
How Often You Should Change Out Your AC Air Filter
So now that you know why an AC air fiilter is important and what can happen if you leave a dirty one in place for too long, it makes sense that you’d want to know exactly how often you need to change that filter.
And yes we mean you. Air filter changes are some of the only system things that we actually encourage homeowners to do on their own. While a technician will take care of a filter change with your yearly tune-up you will want to change your filter more than that.
We advise changing out your HVAC system air filter once every one to three months, depending on your system use and indoor air quality.
Need help with another aspect of your air conditioning system? Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule AC maintenance, repairs, and more. Your experience is what matters most!
