Air Conditioner RepairThe weather’s starting to warm up, so you’re thinking of turning your AC on. But for it to work optimally, you should change its filter, no matter if you’ve used it recently or not.
If you’re wondering how often should you change your AC filter, here are 5 signs it’s time.
1. It Looks Dirty
This is a very obvious sign that you need to replace the filter. It doesn’t matter if you changed it 1 month ago or 1 year ago; if it looks filthy, you need to replace it so you get better air quality. Make sure you check it once a month.
If the air outdoors has been bad lately (for instance, there was a nearby forest fire), then you’ll want to check your air filter during that period to ensure you have a clean filter on at all times.
2. You’ve Been Sneezing More
If you’ve been experiencing more allergy symptoms lately, it may not be all in your head. This is especially true if you’ve noticed other people in the household sneezing and blowing their noses all the time.
When this happens, you’ll want to change out the AC air filter to get some much-needed relief.
3. It Smells Musty
Your air filter may look fine upon visual inspection, but that shouldn’t be all you’re basing your assessment on. If you open up your AC unit and it smells musty, that’s also a sign you should change out your air filter.
Even if you feel it’s fine, you should change it anyway. Air filters don’t cost a lot, plus it’s worth swapping out to breathe easier in your own home.
4. Your AC Isn’t Very Cold
If your air conditioning is blowing out air that isn’t as cold as it should be, then you should first try replacing your air filter. It may be working overtime due to blockage from an overly dirty filter.
If that doesn’t work, then you’ll need to call in a professional. They can thoroughly assess what’s wrong with your AC and see if they need to repair it or replace it.
5. Your Energy Bills Are Higher
If your energy bills are higher than usual and you haven’t changed anything about your AC usage, then it may be time to change your filter. A semi-blocked filter can cause your air conditioning to work harder, which will raise your bills. Even if it looks clean, you should try replacing it to see if it helps with the bills.
How Often Should You Change Your AC Filter? It Depends
The answer to “how often should you change your AC filter” really depends on a few factors. For example, how often do you use your AC? And has the weather been bad lately?
Since answers vary from home to home, there’s no definite answer. But if your AC has any of the signs from above, then you should change your filter just to be safe.
If you have any other problems with your AC, please request service from us today.
