Can you guess the most forgotten yet most necessary household chore? Changing out your dirty AC air filters! Absolute Comfort Air is prepared with the most up-to-date information on when and how to clean your AC’s filters that can have a positive impact on you and your HVAC system’s health.
Why Is It Important to Keep My Air Filters Clean?
Protect Your Health
Indoor air quality is just as important if not more important than the air quality outdoors. Neglecting to clean the air filters in your home may have negative effects on those who suffer from asthma or any respiratory illness. Filters are meant to trap dust and dirt from floating about the home, so when they’re blocked and dirty, anyone may inhale particles the filter fails to trap.
Those with allergies are not the only ones who might experience reactions from unclean filters. Symptoms that anyone may experience include:
- Itchy eyes
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Labored breathing
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness
Keep Your House Clean
The less dust floating through the air in your home, the less there is to clean. By regularly changing your AC filter, you will decrease the number of dirty surfaces or pesky dust bunnies in the corners of your house.
Maintain Your HVAC System’s Efficiency
Keeping up with this easy chore will keep your AC system performing at its best. The cleaner the filters are, the more efficient your system will perform to keep your air clean- saving energy and money.
How Do I Know When My Air Filters Are Ready to be Changed?
According to professionals, the standard time recommended between air filter cleanings or replacements is typically every 30-60 days when using basic, low-cost fiberglass devices. This timeframe will increase based on the quality of your filter and how often you run your air conditioner.
There are, however, a number of different questions that should be considered when deciding what schedule works best for your home.
What Kind Of Air Filters Do You Have?
As mentioned, a monthly change is standard for less expensive filters, but higher-end materials can require less changing. Certain filters such as those that are pleated or furnace filters can go as long as 90 days without being changed or cleaned.
Who’s Living In Your Home?
The occupants of your home also play a big role in considering air quality. Residents in the home that suffer from respiratory illnesses such as allergies or asthma may consider extra care and a more frequent change in air filters as they are more susceptible to the unhealthy air particles. Professionals of the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America recommend 6 weeks between cleanings.
Small children are exceptionally vulnerable to their surroundings, including the air around them. Because they can also experience respiratory stress, it is important to keep their air extra clean.
Furry roommates are also significant factors that could contribute to unclean air quality. It is recommended to change filters every two months with pets in the home, especially during significant periods of shedding that can cause buildup in your AC system.
Are Your Filters Performing At Their Best?
We’re human, so sometimes we forget to do this routine task. Here are a few sure-signs to look for that tell you it’s time to change your filters as soon as possible:
- Significant increase in dust buildup around the home
- HVAC malfunction
- Stuffy air
- Increased energy bill (The harder your system has to work to filter through a dirty filter, the more energy it burns)
Contact Absolute Comfort Air to schedule a professional HVAC filter replacement or cleaning.
