HVAC experts say that you should change your A/C filter every 90 days at least. If you have pets or live somewhere particular warm, you should up that frequency to every 60 days. Even when you don’t think you need to change your filter, you should at least check it every 30 days.
The point we’re trying to make is that changing your A/C filter is an important job, one that should never be ignored. Sadly, there are still some people who neglect this crucial bit of maintenance, possibly because they don’t think their perfectly functional central air conditioning system needs to be checked.
Your A/C filter is important for a reason, and there are some serious potential consequences for not changing it out as needed. Here are just three to keep in mind if you’ve been putting it off.
Allergies
Central air conditioning can help keep dust, pet dander, mold spores and other potential allergens out of your home, but only if these allergens can be filtered out of the air. If your A/C filter becomes clogged, it won’t be able to keep dust and other harmful substances out of your air ducts; in fact, it will start to do the exact opposite. If you or anybody else in your household has allergies, checking your air conditioner’s filter is one of the best ways to provide some relief.
Higher Energy Bills
If your filter is clogged, it will obstruct the airflow through your home’s ducts. Your central air conditioning unit will have to work harder to keep your home cool, which will lead to higher energy bills.
Breakdowns
A/C repairs are expensive, and although they may be inevitable if your air conditioner is on its last legs, there is no reason to speed up the process by neglecting your A/C filters. Since an old filter will force an air conditioner to work harder, it will also speed up any problems it may have and lead to costly breakdowns. If you want to avoid making A/C repairs while your air conditioner is still relatively new, check your filter and change it frequently.
How to Change Your A/C Filter
Changing your A/C filter is actually very easy. Most central air conditioning systems will include directions telling you how to do the job, and they will most likely tell you what kinds of filters you need. The filter on your air conditioner should also be easily accessible. All you will need to do is slide out the old filter and put a new one in its place. Some air conditioners may not even need a replacement filter. You may be able to get away with cleaning off the old filter and reusing it, although you should still be prepared to buy a replacement filter eventually.
