The Importance of Changing Your Filter
If you want your air conditioning to work at peak performance and keep you as cool as possible this summer, it’s important to change your HVAC filter. If you haven’t done so this summer, it’s not too late.
We recommend changing the filter in your system at least twice a year, at the start of both the heating and cooling seasons. Depending on the type of filter used and the conditions in your home, the recommended replacement cycle may be more frequent.
What’s the big deal? Why not put it off a little longer?
Well, just like the Olympic athletes on the road to Rio getting ready to perform later this summer, your HVAC system needs to be finely tuned to perform at its best. And in the case of your AC, that means cleaning or changing the filter.
All models of air conditioning must have continuous, forced airflow to do their job. So if you have a permanent high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, you need to be sure and clean it regularly, and disposable filters need to be replaced.
Dust, pollen, pet dander, hair, and dirt particles get trapped in the air filter. If moisture builds up as well, bacteria, mold, mildew, allergens and odors can also blow through your home. And, a severely clogged filter can actually cause your unit to shut down completely.
If you’ve noticed dust accumulating on your floors or furniture, you might be tempted to remove the air filter altogether. Don’t. Filters are there for a reason: they help keep allergens and ear-nose-and-throat-irritating gunk out of the air and out of the HVAC system internals! Running your system without the filter can cause indoor pollutants to build up on the AC components, which can really stress the unit.
Have a filter question? Just Call Ranck.