We have all heard that it is a good idea to change the AC filter on your AC unit regularly. However, how often should that be done? Whether a residential or a commercial building, it is a good idea to change the filters for the unit or units frequently. The more often you change them, the better, as the cleaner the filters, the cleaner your unit will be as well as the air you breathe.
There are many reasons you should consider changing your filters more often.
1. Minimize HVAC Failure
Changing your AC filter reduces the stress and workload of your AC Unit. Using a clean filter will protect your coils from getting covered in dirt, hair and dust and allow the compressor to run much more smoothly. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems consist of numerous components that work together to provide your desired comfort level.
In a dirty AC unit, the system has to work much harder to produce the right amount of cold air. This can quickly lead to your system being overworked and overextended. Leave it that way for too long, and you are running the risk that your system will break down. Such a breakdown can result in not only a large repair bill, but also the potential of living for several days in the heat, while you wait for someone to come service your AC unit.
2. Reduce Energy Costs
These days we all want to save a little money here and there. One of easiest ways you can save money is by simply changing your AC filter more often. While it is true there will be a slight increase in costs as you must purchase more filters, studies have shown that you can save as much as 10% on your bills simply by changing the filters much more regularly.
These savings will make up for the increase in filter costs and even leave you a little left over to spend however you see fit.
3. Improve Air Quality
Using a dirty filter will allow dust and other particles in the air to not only coat your unit, but also get blown through your vents into the air. If you or a family member suffers from allergies, these particles can irritate the allergies making them much worse. However, if you change your filter often, things like dust and pet dander will not get trapped in the filter and only the cleanest of air will cycle through your system so everyone in your household can breathe easier.
4. Cleaner Ducts
In addition to damaging the air quality in your home or business, a dirty AC filter will allow things like dust and pet dander to collect inside the ducts of your AC unit. Some of these particles will continually be blown through the vents into the air reducing your air quality, and your vents will eventually be coated in a thick coat of dust, hair and other debris.
This will require you to have a professional clean your ducts and, in some of the worst cases, a professional will have to take your ducts apart in order to ensure they are properly cleaned which can be time-consuming and expensive.
5. Being More Environmentally Conscious
In today’s world there is the desire to go green and reduce our carbon footprint. While you can spend vast amounts of money converting your home to a more efficient heating and cooling system, it is much more cost effective to change your filter more often. Most families just can’t afford the huge expense of a conversion of that magnitude, but changing your AC filter more often has been proven to reduce the energy costs of heating and cooling your home.
It is quite simple. The more often you change the AC filter on your unit, the easier it will be to maintain and the cleaner the air will be. In addition, you will see a noticeable drop in your energy bill as your unit simply doesn’t have to work as hard to generate the same amount of air to cool your home or office.
Start changing your filter more often today and take control of the air you breathe in your home or at your business and get your energy costs under control while you do it. Your body and wallet will thank you.
Edrick Hypolite is an Orlando resident who always makes sure his air conditioner is in the best shape for those swealtering summer months. For professional maintenance, he always refers people to facemyeracorlando.com. You can learn more about Edrick by visiting Google+.