The types of air conditioning filters used in your home can have a major impact on how often they need to be replaced. If you use standard 1- to 3-inch air filters, it is recommended that they be changed every 30 to 60 days if you don't have allergies. For those with mild or moderate allergies, it is best to change the filter every three weeks. Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies suggest changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months.
This timeframe can vary depending on the location of your home (e.g., dry and dusty climates), if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. If you have pets at home, it is recommended that you change the filter every 60 days or 2 months. For homes with several pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, it is best to change the filter every 20 to 45 days. Vacation homes or empty houses that aren't used much can wait to change the filters every 9 to 12 months.
The more you use your home, the more often you should replace the air filter. When you remove the air filter from the air conditioner, if you bring it closer to a light source, you can see if the filter is dirty or clogged. If you can't see the light through the filter, it's time to change it. It is important to check your air filter more often to see if it needs to be changed.
If the owner has changed his air filter and is still noticing problems, it is advisable to call a professional to help fix the problem at its root. It's a general recommendation that you change your home air filter every 30 days when using less expensive fiberglass filters. The only type of filters that trap allergens and spores are HEPA, or high-energy particulate air filters. According to the American Allergy and Asthma Foundation (AAFA), “indoor air quality is just as important as outdoor air quality”.
Air filters are usually made of spun fiberglass (the same that forms the insulation of the attic) or of pleated paper framed with cardboard for greater stability and rigidity. If you need help choosing the right filter for your system and a professional who can help you change it, call the professionals at Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric. As air circulates through a building's air conditioning system, air filters trap and collect large and small particles, such as dust, allergens, and microorganisms. If any of these questions apply to you, then you'll want to replace the filter more often than recommended: As outdoor dust or pollution increases, does the need for replacing indoor air filters on a more regular basis increase? Are there fewer occupants in a house? When changing the air filter, do you allow more air to flow through the system with lower energy consumption? Does this result in better circulation, cleaner air, and a lower electricity bill? While a filter with a higher MERV rating should last longer, can it also restrict airflow in your home? The lifespan of an air filter also depends on the size of the house since larger houses circulate more air through their filters. Are you wondering how often you should replace your home's air conditioner filter? The answer depends on several factors such as location, pet ownership, allergies or respiratory conditions, and age of system and equipment.
If you use standard 1-3 inch filters without allergies then they should be changed every 30-60 days. For those with mild or moderate allergies it is best to change them every three weeks while those with severe allergies should do so every 20-45 days. Vacation homes or empty houses that aren't used much can wait up to 9-12 months between changes. When removing an air filter from an AC unit bring it close to a light source and if light cannot pass through then it's time for a replacement.
If after changing an air filter problems persist then call a professional for help fixing the root cause of the issue. Generally speaking fiberglass filters should be changed every 30 days while HEPA filters which trap allergens and spores should be changed more often depending on factors mentioned above. The American Allergy and Asthma Foundation (AAFA) states that indoor air quality is just as important as outdoor air quality so make sure to check your home's air filter regularly for dirtiness or clogging. Air filters are usually made of spun fiberglass or pleated paper framed with cardboard for stability and rigidity so if you need help choosing one for your system call Paschal Air Plumbing & Electric for assistance.
In conclusion, how often an AC unit's filter needs replacing depends on several factors such as location, pet ownership, allergies/respiratory conditions, age of system/equipment and size of house among others.
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