When To Change Your Air Conditioner Filter

One of the most important things that you can do to keep your air conditioner or furnace working at maximum efficiency , is change the filter every one to six months. I know, that's not very helpful information. Unfortunately it's hard to be exact for many reasons so lets cover some of things that you will need to consider when scheduling filter changes in your home. If you use a very efficient air filter, it may need to be changed every month. If you use a very inefficient filter you may only need to replace it every six months.

Every house is different and there are many factors that determine how often your heating and air conditioning filters should be replaced. If you wait too long operating efficiency begins to decline, as efficiency drops operating costs increase. Changing your air filter more often than necessary is like throwing money away. Considering the cost of some filters that will add up to a lot of money over your life time.

Some Cautions About Using Inefficient Filters

Cheap inefficient panel filters can cause problems with air conditioners over time and are best avoided. The dust that does not get collected by your filter gets redistributed back into your home. That can be bothersome but the biggest concern with this is the dust that collects on the fan, blower motor and evaporator coil of your air conditioner. This can cause maintenance problems and impact equipment performance which leads to service calls and that just costs more money.

A Good Reason To Use Efficient Filters

If you are an allergy sufferer or have other health concerns, efficient filters are a better choice for you. Filters with high MERV ratings or high efficiency ratings will remove more household allergens from the air and allergic reactions may be reduced.

Some Things To Consider

• If you use a very efficient air filter it will probably need to be changed monthly. This is because efficient filters collect a lot more dust than inefficient filters. For example a MERV 12 pleated filter, HEPA filters and electrostatic filters should be changed or cleaned monthly.
• Economy panel filters that you can get at many hardware stores are very inefficient and will not have to be changed very often. These are very poor quality and I don't recommend them.
• If you live in a location that is very dusty you will need to change your filter more often than if you live in a low dust area.
• Air filters generally need to be changed more often in summer months than in winter months when the ground is covered with snow.
• Equipment that does not operate continuously will not require as many filter changes as equipment that is always operating. Between heating and cooling seasons are typically low usage times.

What About Filter Change Reminders

Many thermostats have filter change indicators to remind you to change your ac or furnace filter at predetermined intervals and some can be programmed to remind you at whatever interval you want. These are ok for reminders but don't have much real value because they don't indicate when the filter is actually becoming dirty enough to restrict air flow and begin effecting unit operation.

A Couple of Better Options for Home Owners

Remove your air filter monthly for inspection. When it is dirty enough and you change it, write the date down on the side of your air handler, duct system or where ever your filter is installed. After a year of doing this you will have established a very good guide for when to change your air conditioner filter or furnace filter.

Your best option is to use an air filter change indicator. These devices are inexpensive and mount on the side of your air handler. As your filter becomes dirty an indicator needle moves up a scale from "Filter Is Clean" to "Change Filter". These devices work on negative air pressure so you eliminate the guesswork and you get the most from you air conditioner filter or furnace filter.

Selecting An Air Filter For Home Use
When selecting an air filter for home use it is important to determine what your objectives are. There are many different types of home furnace filters to choose from. Some air filters are very efficient and stop the smallest of particles while others are very inefficient and are a total waste of your hard earned money.

Your Air Conditioner Filter Does More Than One Job
What many people don't know is that an air conditioner filter serves more than one important purpose. They prevent the evaporator coil from becoming plugged with dust, which restricts airflow and reduces the efficiency of the air conditioner.

Selecting And Maintaining Your Air Conditioner Filter
Every home is different and there are many factors that determine how long you should wait between filter changes. Wait too long and the efficiency of the equipment will deteriorate and operating costs go up. Change your filter too often and it's like throwing money away. Considering the cost of some filters that could add up to a lot of money over time.