Air filters are an important part of air conditioning units and heaters, but they’re often overlooked. All the air that passes through your HVAC system also passes through the air filter to help block floating particles from getting into the unit. Failing to regularly change the filter can keep your air conditioning unit from running at peak efficiency and can even cause damage to the system. Learn more about your air filter below and why it’s important to change it regularly.

Why You Should Change Your Air Filter Regularly

What the Air Filter Does

The filter helps filter dust, dirt, hair, and larger objects such as bits of loose insulation from being pulled into your air conditioning unit or heater. Without the filter, floating debris could cause a fire hazard or prevent your unit from working.

What Happens When You Don’t Change Your Air Filter

When you don’t change your air filter regularly, it can become clogged, which prevents air from easily passing through. As a result, the blower fan in your air conditioning unit has to work harder to push air into your home, causing wear and tear and a higher electric bill. The reduced airflow can also prevent some areas of your home from receiving conditioned air. Additional strain on the system can even cause the system to overheat or freeze up, necessitating costly repairs.

How Often You Should Change Your Air Filter

To decide when you should change your filter, consider the size of your house and how often you run your air conditioning unit or heater. A good rule of thumb for the average household is to change the filter every 90 days. Smaller houses and homes that rarely need air conditioning or heating won’t require frequent air filter changes, whereas larger homes will. If you have pets, you’ll need to change the filter more often because of floating pet dander. The same applies to homes in areas with heavy pollen. You should also change the filter more often if you have children or someone with asthma living in your home.

Signs Your Air Filter Needs to Be Changed

If you aren’t sure whether it’s time for a filter change, take a look at the existing filter. A small amount of dirt is acceptable, but you should change it if it contains a layer of grime that completely obscures the filter material.

Get your air conditioning unit serviced for optimal performance by calling Alleghany Highlands Mechanical in Covington, VA. This family-owned business is staffed by professional HVAC contractors who are dedicated to achieving 100% customer satisfaction with every sales call. Their dependable technicians can handle air conditioner installations, maintenance, inspections, and repairs. These HVAC experts also offer 24/7 emergency care to ensure that you never have to wait too long to have your unit repaired. Make an appointment by calling (540) 965-0767 or learn more by visiting the website.