How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
If you don't change your air filter, it can quickly become clogged with dust and debris, preventing proper air filtration. This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure.
Changing your filters every 3 months is the way to maintain proper airflow, efficient operation, and great indoor air quality throughout your home.
You should replace these regularly, around every 30 days. Newer systems often use pleated filters, also rectangular with a depth of about one inch. You should replace these about every 90 days if you have no allergies, but AC pros typically recommend every 45 days for max efficiency.
Air filters that are overdue for a change are a common cause of HVAC system failure. Over time, dirt builds up in the heating and AC filters, causing components such as the motor to go into overdrive, which may eventually overheat your unit.
You might wonder about the risks of running your AC without a filter, even temporarily. The simple answer is: not for long. Ideally, your AC should never operate without a filter for more than 6-8 hours. Going beyond this can negatively affect both your system's health and your home's air quality.
A new, clean new air filter keeps your HVAC unit running smoother and running longer, extending its useful life.
Home » FAQs » Can a Dirty Air Filter Cause My AC to Stop Working? A dirty air filter can be to blame if your central air conditioning unit hasn't been working the way it should lately. A host of problems can occur with this filth and, in the most extreme case, the complete breakdown of your AC.
If you don't change your AC filter, it will begin to fail. It will no longer be able to filter the air properly, letting dust and contaminants get into the HVAC system. Dust jams the moving parts of an AC such as fan motors and valves. Airflow is restricted which creates a strain on the system.
Expensive air filters are made from higher-quality materials, like fiberglass, that can last for up to 12 months. This not only saves you money, but it's also more convenient since you won't have to remember to replace your air filters as often.
As previously discussed above, failing to change your filter means debris and dirt will soon clog your unit, causing it to overwork. This in turn raises your energy bills. It takes longer to cool your home. With an old air filter running, you'll notice that it takes so much time for your AC to cool you home.
Many disposable air conditioner filters should be replaced rather than cleaned, as cleaning with water can lead to possible mold issues. Clean the coils and fan of the AC regularly, using a canister of condensed air to blow away dust and buildup.
Keep your family healthy with clean air by changing your air filters regularly. Not only do clean air filters improve your home's air quality, but they also increase energy efficiency. Clogged and dirty air filters require your HVAC system to work harder to push air through your system.
Most manufacturers recommend changing basic fiberglass filters every 30 days. Higher-quality pleated filters should generally be changed every 90 days, though they can potentially last up to six months.
With a few tools, some simple instructions, and an extra 15 minutes, you can replace your air filter all by yourself and get back on the road.
Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and put tremendous stress on the air conditioner. The additional, unnecessary stress leaves your AC unit more prone to malfunctions and can even cause it to break down on excessively hot days.
So, while a new cabin air filter might not make your AC 'colder,' it certainly contributes to a cooler and more comfortable cabin experience. Here are the key highlights: Improving your AC's performance is not always about making the air 'colder. '
Does a High Performance Air Filter Make a Difference? Yes, high-performance air filters make a significant difference in your vehicle's performance by increasing torque and horsepower. One test concluded a high-performance air filter increased horsepower by 2.6% and torque by 3.7%.
By ensuring that your filters are clean and replaced regularly, you can significantly reduce energy consumption. ENERGY STAR® even points out that such proactive maintenance can lower an air conditioner's energy use by 5% to 15%.
No, you should never run your AC without a filter!
The purpose of your air filter is to clean your home's air and to keep your AC system dust- and dirt-free, which is why it's important to only run your AC with a filter installed.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
The short answer: You can get away with running your AC without a filter for a short period of time. However, doing so for longer than 6-8 hours can hurt your system and decrease your home's indoor air quality.