In order to change the temperature in your home, your heating and air-conditioning system draws in air from return vents, pulls it over coils to heat or chill the air, then blows the air through ducts to supply the rooms in your home. Air filters are stationed at points where air is pulled into the system, i.e., walls, ceilings or at the air handler. The filters trap air-born particles that get sucked in with the air and help to prevent them from blocking the blower and clogging up the coils. Clogged coils can’t heat or cool the air passing over them which cause damage to the system.
So, the air filter helps your heating and cooling system do its job, keeps it running efficiently and protects it so it will last longer. When filters become clogged with debris, they cut down on a heating system’s efficiency and, over time, can cause parts to wear out faster. Filters also help to keep dust from building up in your ducts, or being blown into other rooms of your house. Replacing the filter is the very first step you should take when performing routine maintenance of your home’s air conditioning system.
If you do have a disposable rather than a reusable air conditioning filter, check your air conditioning filter every month. Chances are that you will end up replacing it every month to two months during the summer season. You may need to replace your filter more frequently if you have pets or a smoker in the house, if your house is particularly dusty (say if you live next to a dirt road or are in the midst of a remodeling project) or if your air conditioner receives frequent use.
Keeping up with regular filter changes will prevent costly air conditioning repair down the line. Don’t be fooled into thinking that replacing your filters less frequently can save you money. Though air conditioning filters are not inexpensive, the efficiency of your air conditioner is greatly increased when the filters are clean. No matter what type of filter you use, make a note to yourself to check it often and to replace it when it starts to show dirt.
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