How Often Should I Change My AC’s Air Filter?
Keeping your HVAC system in good working order largely comes down to giving it the regular attention and maintenance it needs. You want to ensure you’re always staying on top of seemingly minor issues, because it’s these small things that can snowball into bigger problems if left unchecked.
While scheduling regular checkups with qualified professionals is one of the best things you can do to keep everything humming along smoothly, there are also some basic steps that you can take on your own. One of the easiest DIY tips that our customers can take on themselves is to regularly change the air filter in their HVAC system—but how often should you change your AC’s air filter in Tampa, FL? This can really pay dividends in the form of keeping air circulating smoothly and keeping energy bills down, but there are some things that you want to keep in mind about your filter changing regimen.
Why change the air filter?
Your HVAC system is dependent on smooth and consistent airflow to work properly—the entire operation depends on that one key variable, so it’s not something you want to take lightly under any circumstances. Changing the filter can extend the life of your unit, because the most common reason an HVAC system breaks down is due to a dirty filter. If air isn’t flowing smoothly, the motor has to work harder, and eventually it’s going to overheat and/or break down. This is a nightmare scenario, because it can lead to massive costs and repair or replacement jobs, which everyone wants to avoid. It’s best to just set a reminder in your phone or calendar to replace the filter on a consistent basis.
What’s the rule of thumb?
The short answer is that there are a few rules of thumb when it comes to filter maintenance. When wondering about how often you should change your AC’s air filter in Tampa, FL, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you’re not running the system, such as in the wintertime, then there’s no reason to keep replacing the filter on a regular basis. It is simply not accruing debris at the same rate, so you don’t need to replace it as often. However, if the system is being run at a high rate, such as during a heat wave, then you want to monitor it more closely. In general, you’ll probably want to replace the filter once a month during hot periods, and more like once every three months during the colder winter months.
Replacing your air filter regularly is a good idea for a number of reasons, and it’s good to wonder how often you should change your AC’s air filter in Tampa, FL. It reduces strain on the system by increasing efficiency, which in turn leads to lower energy bills and a much more comfortable home. It’s an easy step to take on your own, but if you think your HVAC system needs a higher level of attention, feel free to call the pros at Kenny’s Air Conditioning & Heating Services, Inc. for advice.
Categorised in: Air Filters