How often should you change your AC filter in the summer?

Author: Zachariah Schulist  |  Last update: Thursday, October 9, 2025

If the filter doesn't appear dusty, clogged or damaged, most experts agree that air filter replacement during the winter heating season can be performed every three months. Changing the filter in summer, however, should definitely be a regular monthly event.

How do I know if my AC filter needs replacing?

6 Telltale Signs It's Time to Replace Your AC Filter
  1. Accumulation of Dust Around the Air Vents. When an air filter clogs, it releases dust and dirt into the system. ...
  2. Strange Odor. ...
  3. Sudden Hike in Electricity Bills. ...
  4. Overheating AC Unit. ...
  5. Allergies. ...
  6. Malfunctioning AC.

Do you really need to change air filters every 3 months?

Changing your filters every 3 months is the way to maintain proper airflow, efficient operation, and great indoor air quality throughout your home.

Does changing the AC filter lower bill?

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%.

What happens if you don't change your air filter in your house?

Dirt and dust accumulate in your air filter over time, making it more and more difficult for air to pass through. If you don't change the air filter, it will cause a decrease in efficiency in terms of energy usage, and eventually the clogged filter will restrict airflow throughout the system.

How often should you change your AC filter?

Can your AC stop working if you don't change the filter?

As the system is working harder to get around clogged air filters, it can cause the entire system to overwork and eventually break. If this happens, you'll need to replace the entire system, which can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000.

Can I clean my home air filter instead of replacing it?

Reusable filters can be washed and replaced. However, the disposable filters you use in your HVAC system aren't made to shed water after they get wet. The moisture the filter retains can encourage mold growth over time, and your HVAC system might spread the mold spores throughout the rest of your home.

Will a new filter make my AC colder?

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. '

How do you know if your air filter is bad?

How Can You Tell if Your Air Filter Is Dirty?
  • Reduced Gas Mileage. ...
  • Strange Engine Noises. ...
  • Decreased Performance. ...
  • Check Engine Light Comes On. ...
  • Black Smoke or Flames in the Exhaust. ...
  • The Smell of Petrol in the Exhaust. ...
  • Your Engine Misses or Misfires. ...
  • Loss of Acceleration.

What happens if you wait too long to change the air filter?

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.

Where is the filter on a carrier AC unit?

However, common places filters are found can include: within a small slit on the bottom of the unit, on an external rack usually off the side of the furnace, in the ductwork as a cutout, or in the return air vents. If you are unable to locate your filter, please contact your dealer or installer.

Do expensive air filters last longer?

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.

Will my AC work better if I change filter?

A new, clean new air filter keeps your HVAC unit running smoother and running longer, extending its useful life.

Why is my air filter black after 2 days?

Black Soot Deposition

Black soot can quickly turn our air filters black. This is usually a result of burning candles. Candles are made of carbon-based materials that don't all combust when burned. They end up producing tiny soot particles which then get into our carpet, on our furniture, and in our air filters.

What happens if you haven't changed your AC filter in a year?

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.

Does changing AC filter lower bill?

It will prolong the life span of the furnace, as well as help with the efficiency of the unit which will help lower your cooling bills.” In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy says you can reduce your air conditioner's energy consumption by as much as 15% by replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one.

Does changing your AC filter make it cooler?

Changing your air filter will keep you cool during the summer, warm during the winter, and ensure your system is running as efficiently as possible – reducing overconsumption of energy.

How long does it take for AC to work after changing filter?

After replacing the filter, you should wait at least 12 hours before running the system. If the AC is still not blowing cold air, it could signify that you have a refrigerant leak, a damaged condenser, or your entire mechanical system needs maintenance.

Can I clean my AC filter instead of replacing it?

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.

Will a dirty filter keep AC from working?

Is my AC not working because of the filter? Potentially, yes. While there are a whole host of issues that could cause problems with your air conditioning system, a dirty air filter should be the first thing to check if your central air conditioning unit isn't working as properly as it should.

How long can you go without changing AC filter?

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.

What would happen if you never changed your air filter?

This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure. If you haven't been swapping your air filters as frequently as you should, there's no time like the present to start practicing this crucial maintenance step.

Can I vacuum my AC filter?

Take the filter outside if possible to avoid stirring up dust inside your home. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove debris from the filter. Run the brush across the filter to gently loosen stuck-on buildup.

Do air purifiers remove existing dust?

The answer is yes. By filtering particles, air purifiers remove pollutants, allergens, and other toxins from the air. However, how effectively they eliminate dust will depend on the device's specific features.

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