Is It Really Necessary to Replace AC Air Filters Every Month?

There are differing opinions on how often AC air filters need changing. Many air conditioner manufacturers recommend replacing these components every 30 to 90 days, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests swapping them out every 60 to 90 days. To be on the safe side, homeowners in Phoenix, AZ should inspect their AC filters monthly. Although replacing your air filter every month might not be necessary, it’s important to ensure that built-up debris isn’t obstructing airflow.

THE DRAWBACKS OF HAVING A DIRTY AIR FILTER IN YOUR AIR CONDITIONER

With ongoing AC use, air filters eventually reach and exceed their maximum capacity for debris. If you’ve ever pulled your filter out and found a thick, lint-like mat of debris, you weren’t changing this component as often as you should. Build-ups like these make it hard for air conditioners to pull air into the system and move it. Poor airflow causes system stress. It can also lead to frozen AC coils, short cycling, and overheating.

Although dirty air filters are associated with lower-than-acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ), it’s important to note that these components actually exist to protect air conditioners themselves. Keeping a clean filter in will help you avoid a host of costly yet preventable AC problems. It can also play a hand in keeping your manufacturer warranty intact.

HOUSEHOLD AND BUILDING-SPECIFIC FACTORS THAT MATTER

When checking your AC filter each month, hold it up to the light. You should be able to see light passing through its mesh. If you can’t, throw your old filter out and put a new one in.

Certain household-specific factors make it necessary to change HVAC air filters every three to four weeks. For instance, you might want to step up your filter change schedule if there are people living in your home with chronic respiratory conditions, terminal illnesses, or compromised immune systems. Homeowners with one or more indoor pets should also change their air filters frequently.

The location, layout, and nature of your property matter too. If you live on a busy street or near a freeway, on an unlandscaped lot, or right near active construction, consider checking your HVAC air filter every two to three weeks and changing it as needed.

Residents of Phoenix, AZ can turn to us for needs-specific advice on caring for their home cooling systems. We offer heating and air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair services. We also provide cutting-edge indoor air quality solutions. Contact Xtreme Air, Inc. now to schedule an appointment.