Summers in Sevierville, TN are long, hot and humid. You’ll want your air conditioner to be working as efficiently as possible to cool and dehumidify your home. According to the Department of Energy, the most important maintenance task for ensuring AC effectiveness is changing the AC filter. Follow these tips on how frequently to change the filter in your home’s cooling system.
Check the Filter
Our technicians recommend checking your AC filter monthly. Make it easier for yourself by setting a reminder on your phone or digital calendar. For example, check the filter on the first Saturday of each month. The filter is usually located in a small housing or cabinet next to the indoor unit of your air conditioner. If you have an air handler, the filter may be located there. You might need a screwdriver to open the housing door and access the filter. Slide the filter out, and observe whether or not it’s coated in dust and debris. If it’s dirty, it’s time to replace the filter.
Consider Your Home’s Air Quality
Observe the air quality in your home. If you notice more dust settling on surfaces in your home, the air filter may need to be replaced. If you notice more sniffling, sneezing, coughing or other respiratory symptoms, it may also be a good idea to replace the air conditioner’s filter.
Know the Minimum Frequency for Filter Replacements
At minimum, you’ll need to replace your AC filter every 90 days. Over three months, plenty of dust, pollen and other particles will get into the air filter. Those particles clog the filter’s pores. Once those pores are filled, the cooled air can’t pass through the filter. Dirty filters lead to a multitude of air conditioner problems, including poor cooling, excess wear and tear and system failure.
For more tips on when to replace your AC filter, take a look at LB Chase Mechanical’s air conditioning maintenance services, or reach out to us today.
