What Are Some Factors Influencing How Often I Should Change The Filter
There are many different factors which will affect how often you will need to change your air conditioning filter:
- Pets shedding of pet fur can mean that your filters will become more blocked more frequently. The more pets in the building means the more often your filters will need replacing, at least every 2 months.
- Frequency the more your aircon is used means that the more often filters will need replacing. If your system is used rarely then a filter can last several months and up to a year. But if the unit is constantly in use then every 1-2 months is when the system should be replaced.
- Size the larger the building means that the system will need to work harder to keep constant air quality. At the same time, smaller aircons will have smaller filters which also means that they will need replacing more often.
- Allergies or Asthma if there are people who work or live in a building with respiratory problems then the filter will need to be replaced every 6 weeks.
Signs You Need A New Ac Filter
Youre usually fairly safe changing your AC filter once every 30 to 90 days. It probably wont hurt much to let a dirty filter stay for a while. But if you want an optimally clean home, you need to replace the filter the second it stops being functional.
So, to help, here are some signs that its time for a change.
Increase In The Dust Around The Air Vents
Your HVAC filters may be clogged if you see a build-up of dust around your air vents. You may do the white sheet test to see whether your filters are dirty. For an hour, just lay a clean white sheet approximately five inches away from the vents. If the sheet ends up with dust and other particles on it, your HVAC system could use a good cleaning.
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Why Changing Your Hvac Filter Is Important
Air filters are only meant to last for a set amount of time , so you need to be taking note of that date when you install them.
” could have adverse effects on your HVAC equipment and your comfort,” Van Deventer explains. “If it goes too long, filters can load too much and collapse, and that can be really bad cause you may not know it. it could get lodged in your fan, or create a big gap where air just goes around the filter and doesn’t get filtered in at all at that point.”If your filter isn’t actually filtering, it can affect your health and cause breathing issues, especially for people with allergies or asthma.
Where Is Your Hvac Air Filter Located
Depending on the size of your home and its number of air conditioning units, your HVAC system could pull air from one or more locations around your home. You will need to inspect each of these locations to determine how many air filters you need to replace every 30 to 90 days.
The most common locations for HVAC air filters are:
- Horizontal HVAC units typically have air filters located in a slot at the side of the unit.
- Vertical HVAC units typically have air filters located in a slot above or below the unit.
- Other HVAC systems use air filters located in your homes walls, ceiling, or utility closets. You can usually find them behind a removable grill or grate.
If your HVAC system has a return in each room, you may need to replace multiple filters as part of your regular HVAC maintenance.
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The Amount That You Use Your Air Conditioner
As you might expect, the amount that you use your air conditioner will have an effect on the cleanliness of your AC filter. The more you use your air conditioner, the sooner your filter will go out of commission. And if you dont use it at all, you wont even have to think about changing your filter, at least not until the air conditioner is turned on and put into use once again.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Conditioning Filter
This is the single, most common question we get here at ServiceOne. Believe it or not, its also the hardest to answer. Multiple factors affect how often you should change your AC filter, and there is no one right response. But heres what we do know: the more frequently you change your filter, the more efficiently your air conditioner will run.
To determine the best schedule for changing your air conditioning filter, ask yourself these questions:
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Follow The Instructions But Do It Even Sooner
When you buy a new filter, the packaging will state how long it should last. But don’t wait until that date to change it! Van Deventer says you should take that date as “the absolute maximum” and change your filter even earlier.
“Essentially, the way that most of those filters operate is they have a porous media that captures the particulates and that blocks the airflow,” he explains. They actually filter a little better the longer they’re in. But it also starts to really restrict the air flow on your system], which can cause other issues.”
Factor In Things That Can Affect Your Air Quality
“Anytime you’re aware of more pollutants or particles in the air is a good time to change your filter,” Van Deventer says. Allergy and flu seasons, for example, are good times to upgrade to high efficiency filters! And if you have any kind of home renovation going on that could kick up more dust and dirt than usual.
“I would say if there’s any kind of home renovation where there’s drywallthat that’s a huge one that sometimes people don’t realize will get sucked into air returns and immediately block up your filter,” he notes. “I’d also say during summer months, if you’ve got pets and they’re just shedding a lot more than usual, that’s a good time.”
If you need a way to remember, here’s a smart tip: “Anytime you’re finding yourself having to vacuum a lot more, that’d be a good indication that you also need to be checking your filter a lot more as well,” Van Deventer says.
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How Often Should You Change Your Air Conditioner Filter
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the type of air conditioner you have and the environment in which it is used. In general, it is recommended that you change your air conditioner filter every three months. However, if you have pets or live in an area with a lot of dust and pollen, you may need to change your filter more frequently.
Additionally, if your air conditioner is used constantly, it may require more frequent changes. Ultimately, it is best to consult your owners manual for specific guidance on how often to change your air conditioner filter. By following the manufacturers recommendations, you can help ensure that your air conditioner runs efficiently and effectively.
- The low-cost fiberglass filters should be changed every 30 days.
- The pleated more expensive filters can last up to 6 months.
- A good rule of thumb is to replace pleated filters every 90 days.
- If you have electrostatic or washable filters, they should be washed, dried, and re-installed once a month.
- The washable filters are more eco-friendly and, if cleaned and reused appropriately, can last 5 to 10 years.
What Are Air Filters And What Are They Used For
Air filters are electronic devices used in homes, offices, or any enclosed space to regulate temperature, pick up dirt and allergens, and control humidity. Invented in 1902 by Willis Carrier, air filters work by transferring unwanted components in the air from indoor spaces to outdoor spaces.
The terms AC and HVAC are often used interchangeably. AC simply refers to air conditioning, while HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The major difference between the two is that HVAC has added features like gas furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioning. Additionally, HVACs work includes ductwork and ventilation.
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How Can You Tell When Your Air Conditioner Filter Needs To Be Replaced
One of the most important maintenance tasks for any home air conditioner is regularly replacing the filter. A clean air conditioner filter helps to improve air quality and keep your AC unit running efficiently. But how can you tell when its time to replace the filter? There are a few easy ways to tell.
First, check the manufacturers recommendation. Most filters should be replaced every 1-3 months.
Second, take a look at the filter itself. If its visibly dirty or clogged, it needs to be replaced.
Finally, pay attention to your AC unit. If it seems like the unit is working harder than usual or if your energy bills have gone up, its probably time to replace the filter. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your AC unit running smoothly all summer long.
- The air quality in your home is poor.
- If you look closely, you can see a film of dust on surfaces around your home.
- Your energy costs have gone up.
- If you or someone in your household has been suffering from unexplained allergies or respiratory problems.
- There is a lot of dust around the air vents.
- Your home will take longer to heat and cool.
- The AC unit is too hot to touch.
- You cant recall the last time you replaced your air filter.
Which Air Filter Is Best
Most filters or their packaging will have a MERV rating on them. MERV stands for a minimum efficiency reporting value . This rating can be a useful guide for the effectiveness of the filter and consists of a ranking from 1 to 16. The higher the MERV rank, the more efficient the air filter is at trapping dust and particles. If youre concerned that your current filter might not be as effective as you would like, consider checking the MERV rating.
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How Much Does An Air Cabin Filter Replacement Cost
The average cost of a cabin air filter is between $15 and $50, depending on the size of the unit. Labor fees vary per mechanic and garage.
As is the case with more vehicle parts, the cost to replace items is often dependent on the type of vehicle you have. Some luxury brands will charge more for their parts and require that you only buy their branded cabin air filters, while others suggest you can purchase a generic cabin air filter from your local automotive shop.
Some mechanics will recommend you change your cabin air filter during your routine visit to the garage for regular maintenance. Thatâs fine, but make sure you ask to see the filter first. Visually inspect it, and if it looks like it needs replacement, do so. If not, you can always wait for a later date.
Your Frequency Of Using Your Air Conditioner
One of the factors that determine how often you should change your AC filters is how frequently you use the AC. If you use the AC in a rarely used vacation house, you may change the filter once a year. On the other hand, an AC inside a suburban home should be changed at least every 90 days. Consider these additional circumstances as well:
A general rule of the thumb is that you should replace the filter in your HVAC every month. However, other factors change this timeframe. For instance, some months in Palm Harbor FL are hotter than others. You tend to use your AC more during the hot months than during the cooler months. During the months you use it more, make sure you replace the filter in less than one-month intervals.
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How Often Should I Change My Air Filter
Every homeowner wants their air conditioning unit to function at optimal levels for many years. In order to guarantee your AC unit will last, it is important to perform regular maintenance, and this includes regularly changing the air filter. But how often should you change your air filter? This depends on many other factors related to your home. Here are some tips to consider to make sure you are changing your filter as often as you should.
Changing Often = More EfficiencyAs a general rule, when your AC is in use every day during the hot summer months, it is recommended that you change the air filter at least once every 3 months, periodically check the filter and you may need to change sooner. A clogged filter can cause your AC unit to not run as efficiently and can even lead to more significant problems, such as a frozen air conditioner. Your system has to work harder to push air through dirty filters which can affect the air flow throughout the home. Changing the air filter each quarter promotes better air flow and results in lower monthly energy bills. Our advice is to set a reminder on your calendar when to change the air filter to get the most of your AC unit moving into Fall.
Fact: Regular HVAC filters are intended to protect the equipment, not your lungs and sinuses. A better air filter will increase your air quality and reduce odors.
How Long Can I Truly Go Before Changing My Hvac Filter
More expensive pleated air filters can get away with being changed up to every six months. These general guidelines don’t take into account filter sizes or types like thicker filters or smaller filters. Therefore, it’s recommended to never let an air filter go unreplaced for longer than 90 days.
Why’s that? Well, an old filter will naturally collect more dust, dirt, and allergens than a new one, causing the filter efficiency to decrease. If you’re an allergy sufferer, you’ll want to make sure you take note of how often you change your filters and always make sure you’re using the right filter type.
If you don’t suffer from allergies, let’s find out if you should be replacing your HVAC equipment more often than you realize.
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The Filters Efficiency Rating
Your AC filters MERV rating will tell you how frequently you need to change it.
The higher your filters efficiency rating, the more frequently you need to change it. An air filters ability to capture unwanted particles is measured by its MERV rating, which ranges from 1 to 20. High-efficiency air filters typically have a MERV rating of 17+, and they need frequent replacement because they collect dust, debris, and dirt particles more quickly.
How do you know what your air filters MERV rating is?
Manufacturers include the filters MERV rating on the side of the filter. The MERV rating may be abbreviated as M17 instead of MERV 17.
Follow these basic guidelines to decide when to replace your air filter based on its MERV rating:
- 1-10 MERV Rating Filters: Change every 3 months
- 11-16 MERV Rating Filters: Change every 1-2 months
- 17+ MERV Rating Filters: Check every month and change if dirty
Licensed Ac Technicians And Filter Services
Logicool Air and our fully qualified technicians are here to replace air conditioning filters in any building. We have trained to work on both split system and ducted air conditioning to replace your aircon filters as part of our air conditioning service calls. Our team operates all across all of Sydney, including the North Shore and South Sydney, and provides expert ac services.
We also offer professional Air Conditioning Repair and Air Conditioning Installation services as we are specialists in these tasks
Contact our friendly team at Logicool Air today when you need your air conditioning filters replaced and a system serviced!
Contact us today to book an appointment
$100 Off Air Conditioning Repairs
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Factors That Impact How Often To Replace The Air Filter
The lifespan of an air filter is also impacted by the occupants of the home and the characteristics of the home itself. Because an air filter is one of the homes first lines of defense against pollutants and allergens, its important to have a feel for how your home and your actions can affect the timeline for replacing the filter.
Do You Have Health Issues
Great air quality is especially important to people with pre-existing respiratory ailments. Do you have allergies? Is there an asthma sufferer in your home? How about someone with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, ?
If anyone in your home has a condition that affects their lungs and their breathing, change your filters more often. The more dirt, debris, and germs that can be filtered out of the air, the easier people can breathe.
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Your Electric Bill Has Gone Up Suddenly
Another sign that it might be time to replace your AC filter is that your electric bill has gone up suddenly. If this has occurred, its probably because your AC is working harder than it usually does. If this is the case, a dirty AC filter could very well be the reason.
See, when the filter gets dirty, dust and debris have free reign to enter the AC system. To counteract this additional dust and debris, the AC has to work harder than it does typically. This requires more electricity and therefore equals a costlier electricity bill.