In maintaining your air conditioning system, the best thing you can do is to change your air conditioning filters regularly. Changing your filters will extend the life of your cooling system and keep it working at peak levels. Your filters should be changed about every three to six months. When first determining how often to change out filters, check them at three months and then every month after, do not wait any longer than six.
Determining when to change your filters can be a bit tricky. You do not want to change them too often and be out a ton of money on buying replacement filters. However, you also do not want to put off changing them and end up damaging your unit. You must decide what works best for you.
Some of the most efficient air conditioner filters are the pleated type. Some companies claim a sixty percent or more efficiency rate. I have found that most of the time store brand filters work just as well as name brand filters. Try them out and see what works best for you.
Filters should be replaced around every three to six months. If there are a lot of pets in your household or you live in an area with a high incidence of dust you should probably change your filters at three months. However, some people can wait until the six month mark so just keep a check on how dirty your filters become.
Some people may have issues with household or seasonal allergies. If this sounds like you a more efficient filtration system may be necessary. Electrostatic, electronic, and sometimes even HEPA filters can be more efficient than the common pleated filter. These filters are very efficient, however they will have to be changed or cleaned very often.
Electronic filters, even when dirty, will not affect airflow in your system. However, the built up dirt will cause problems in allowing these filters to function properly. You must purchase HVAC cleaner, take these filters apart and clean them regularly.
Electrostatic filters may be the best value out there. They are priced quite a bit higher than disposable filters (about two to six percent), but they are reusable. When these filters become dirty they can be washed and reused.
HEPA filters can almost be too efficient. They become clogged very fast, and need to be cleaned extremely regularly. They must be checked a minimum of once per month and if left in too long will cause air flow issues. Check with an A. C. Contractor to see if these filters are a good fit for your home.
The economy is hard on all of us, and keeping a check on your air conditioning system can do a world of good for your wallet. Changing air conditioning filters regularly will increase the life of your heating and cooling systems and help keep utility bills lower. This is a small step to take and it will make a big difference in the long run.
In maintaining your air conditioning system, the best thing you can do is to replace your air conditioning filters frequently. Replacing your air conditioner filters will extend the life of your cooling system and keep it working at peak levels.
Tags: air conditioner filters, air conditioning filters, air filters, furnace filters, Heating, Home and Family, home maintenance, maintenance
