When you arrange for professional maintenance for you air conditioning system (something you must have done every spring), one of the tasks that the technician does is replacing or cleaning the air filter. Make sure you watch how the technician does this job if you don’t know how to do it on your own, since you’ll need to do it yourself during the rest of the summer.
Yes, contrary to what many people believe, the air filter on an HVAC system must be changed/cleaned more frequently than once a year. This filter serve an important function in an HVAC system: it prevents debris that comes through the return air ducts from entering the cabinet and damaging internal components. Just like the lint filter in a clothes dryer, this air filter will clog up over time, which will severely limit air intake. This results in an energy-draining AC suffering from unnecessary strain.
Changing/cleaning frequency
Filters need to be changed or cleaned every 1 to 3 months. How frequently depends on the type of filter and how often you run the air conditioner. Inexpensive filters, which you can buy in packs from a store for a few dollars, will need to be changed each month. But during periods of high use for the AC, the more expensive filters may need to be changed every two months, rather than every three.
If you’re new to changing the filter, it’s best to check on it each month and see how the debris is building up. This way you’ll have a good idea when you should change it. When you put in the new filter, write the date in marker on the side so you’ll know exactly when it was last changed. For a permanent filter, write down on a calendar (or the calendar on your smartphone) when you last cleaned the filter.
When you need air conditioning assistance, call the Doctor of Home Comfort! Hall’s Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration serves Shreveport, LA and the surrounding areas.
