Dirt and debris from the filter can obstruct airflow, increasing the workload of the cooling system. By replacing the filter regularly, you can reduce wear and tear on the air conditioner while allowing free air circulation to improve indoor comfort. A clear sign that the AC filter needs to be replaced is when the back of the unit is too hot. If the filter is heavily soiled, you may feel warm air coming out the back of the unit. A clogged filter forces the air conditioner to work harder to keep the house cool.
This will lead to more frequent air conditioning repairs and ultimately shorten the life of the unit. Reduce the load by simply changing the AC filter regularly. Can dirty air filters prevent an air conditioner from working? The answer is yes. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your air conditioner running efficiently for longer. All you need to do is clean or replace the filter regularly, depending on the type of filter.
Changing your air conditioner filter not only helps your home's air conditions, it can also save you money. Replacing a clogged air filter with a new one can reduce air conditioner energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent, according to the U. S. UU. Consuming less energy equates to a lower energy bill, which is a big win in midsummer, when electricity costs typically rise.
Filters become low priority due to a misunderstanding of what filters actually do. Standard HVAC filters are not designed to purify the air you breathe. Of course, the filter traps some dust that is absorbed in the ducts. But most filters aren't fine enough to trap pollen, dander, particles, and other allergens. If you neglected to change the AC filter for some time, it is very likely that a lot of dust will accumulate inside the ducts.
The only type of filters that trap allergens and spores are HEPA, or high-energy particulate air filters. If your air conditioner uses a reusable air filter, you don't have to buy a new filter every time you maintain the air conditioner. In general, filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower are considered HVAC system grade filters for residential, commercial, and general hospital use. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months.
To clean the reusable air filter, you must remove the filter from the air conditioning unit safely and rinse it in a tub or sink with warm water. When you change your air filter regularly, you remove dirt and germs trapped in the air filter and allow the air to be cleaned more thoroughly as it passes. Air filters typically have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) that determines the type and size of contaminants against which the filter will act. Air filters are generally inexpensive, and changing the air filter is a simple task that does not require a professional hand. When you change your air conditioner filter every month during peak cooling season, you can save about 15% each month on utilities, as well as avoid repair problems due to airflow restrictions. If you notice that your air conditioner doesn't cool down as it normally does or blows hot air, the first thing to check is the air conditioner filter.
If you've never changed your air conditioning filter, the easiest way is to have an HVAC technician do it the first time.
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