An air conditioning filter change in your home ac unit is often overlooked. But air filters are some of the most crucial components of maintaining a properly running air conditioning unit. This is especially true in the heat of Florida. In this article, we discuss in detail what exactly air filters do and why filter replacement is important in AC maintenance.
What Does an Air Conditioning Filter Do?
The primary function of an air conditioning filter is to clean the air that constantly circulates through the heating and cooling system. Quality air conditioning filters are usually made of a pleated cloth or paper or spun fiberglass, enclosed in a frame. The filter traps several contaminants and particulate matter that may otherwise impact your health and comfort negatively. Some of the things that are filtered out are:
- Dirt and dust, including metal, wood, and plastic particles
- Pollen particles
- Lint and fibers
- Mold spores
- Animal fur and hair
- Bacteria and other microorganisms, etc.
How Often Should You Change An Air Conditioning Filter?
How often you change your air conditioning filters as part of HVAC preventive maintenance depends on several factors. However, a good practice is to check your filters every month. For a home with pets or someone with allergies, change the filter every 30 to 60 days. Sometimes, for a vacation home or a house with single occupancy and no pets, changing the filter every 6 months may also suffice.
Negative Impacts of Not Changing Your Air Conditioning Filter on Time
Here are some of the negative impacts that could occur if you neglect to change your HVAC air filters on time.
1. Short-Cycling of the AC unit
Your AC is meant to cycle off and on throughout the day to maintain the desired temperature. However, a dirty air filter can cause these cycles to become shorter, thus affecting the ambient temperature. This also wastes more energy.
2. Improper Cooling
A dirty air filter results in restricted airflow, which causes uneven cooling. You may find spots that are hotter than ideal in your home, which results in higher energy consumption.
3. Freezing of the AC unit
When the air conditioning filter gets dirty, it does not allow the clean air to flow freely out of the unit. This causes a build-up of the cool air in the unit, eventually lowering the internal temperature. If the filter is not changed for a prolonged period, this can even result in the internal coils freezing up eventually.
4. Accumulation of Allergens
An unclean air conditioning filter causes harmful allergens and contaminants to build up in the ducts. This is especially harmful to people susceptible to allergies or those who suffer from asthma. These allergens get released into the air of the house and the occupants breathe them in. Mold allergies also similarly spread from the air ducts.
5. Reduced HVAC System Efficiency
Needless to say, all the above shows that an unclean air filter reduces the efficiency of your AC units drastically. This further results in increased power consumption with poorer overall cooling. Changing air filters regularly is paramount to maintaining the optimum efficiency of your AC units.
AC Repair in Port Saint Lucie, FL and Surrounding Areas
On the lookout for services like AC maintenance? Search no further than American Air Cares. Our licensed, insured and highly experienced air conditioning service professionals are your best bet when it comes to regular AC maintenance. We take care of all AC repair needs, including timely filter change.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we may help you with your requirements.
