How Often Should AC Filters be Changed?

Knowing how often your AC filters should be changed can vary from home to home, but we have three tips to help you know when it’s time to make that change.

1. The first sign that your AC filter should be changed is when you start noticing discoloration or visible dirt covering the surface of the filter. When a filter is caked in dust and dirt, air just can’t get through as easily, causing a restriction that can overwork your air conditioner, potentially leading to bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road. Running your AC with a dirty filter over a long period of time can lead to a lot of wasted money in higher energy bills, poor indoor air quality, system inefficiency, and worst of all – increased wear and tear that can lead to breakdowns and lowered AC life expectancy.

   

2. The second sign that your AC filter should be changed is on your calendar. If it’s been more than three months that the system has been running, it’s likely time to give it some attention. Smart thermostats like an Ecobee can even send you an email or text message to remind you when it’s time for replacement, but if you haven’t upgraded yet, we recommend that you just put a reminder in your phone or on your calendar for every three months. Some homes can get away with going longer between changes and some need them more frequently. For instance, if you have higher levels of dust due to living in a more rural area your filter is going to get dirty faster. The number of people or indoor pets in your home can play a big role into the frequency that you will need to change filters as well. Basically, the busier your home the more important it is to stay on top of your filter with more frequent replacements.

3. The third, and most alarming sign that it’s time for a filter change on your home air conditioner is that your air conditioner is taking longer to cool your home than normal. Although this isn’t the only reason your air conditioner may be struggling, it’s definitely a symptom of an overdue filter change. The dirtier the filter, the harder it is for air to pass through to your system, making it work overtime, racking up those energy costs. Remember what it felt like breathing through a mask? The higher grade the mask the more restricted the airflow was between the outside and your lungs, making you work harder to breathe. Your AC filter works similarly, where when it’s doing its job removing contaminants from the air to protect your HVAC system it becomes restricted, causing it to labor harder to keep the air flowing. Changing the filter to a clean one will help your AC “breathe” easier.

Changing your AC filters regularly goes a long way to protect your investment and keep your home temperature comfortable. The good news is that you don’t have to be the one to worry about it, because the team at Balanced Comfort has got you covered. When you become a member of the Balanced Comfort Club we make it our responsibility to not only remind you when it’s time to change your AC filters but we send an expert HVAC technician out to do it for you, and while our technician is at your home they will do a full 77 point cooling/heating inspection at no additional charge. Your peace of mind and comfort are our priorities. Let our HVAC experts do the heavy lifting for you and never worry about your AC filter again.