Dust and dirt that accumulate around air conditioner vents can be caused by a clogged air filter. The filter looks dirty or clogged, and it takes longer to heat or cool the house. To ensure optimal performance of your air conditioner, it is important to know when to change the filter. The only way to be sure how often your air filter should be changed is to visually inspect it every month.
After a few months, you'll get an idea of how quickly it gets dirty. You may need to re-evaluate if you have a new pet or if the outdoor air quality has been poor. Generally, it is recommended to replace your air filter every three months; however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change an old filter. Even a small amount of dirt or dust can cause the air conditioner to work longer in order to make you feel comfortable. Check the filter every month and change it at the first sign of dirt.
At a minimum, change the filter every three months during the cooling season. For people with chronic conditions such as allergies or asthma, clean filters can alleviate annoying symptoms. In smaller homes, the air conditioning system has to move less air, which may mean that air filters are replaced less frequently. A vacation home where you only live part-time, for example, will need far fewer filter changes than a large family home with many occupants. According to the American Allergy and Asthma Foundation (AAFA), “indoor air quality is just as important as outdoor air quality.
Replacing the air filters in your air conditioning system is an essential practice to ensure that clean air circulates throughout your home. Fiberglass air filters are the more affordable of the two, but less efficient at capturing dust and particles from the air. If you live in a big city, pollutants such as smoke, dust, and other debris will seep inside and clog the air filter at a much faster rate. Your home's air filters should be changed regularly to keep the system running smoothly and to maintain optimal air quality. As a general rule, you'll want to replace your home's pleated air filters and boiler filters every 90 days.
Excessive dust, pet dander, and other allergens that float in indoor air can further worsen symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and runny nose. If your dirty air filter is completely covered with dust and dirt, it's a good idea to replace it even if it hasn't reached the end of its recommended lifespan. Compared to other home improvement projects, changing air filters is a quick and painless process that can be done in less than an hour.
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