Neglecting to change your air filter can have serious repercussions for both your home and your health. When the air filter is not replaced on a regular basis, it can no longer effectively filter the air, allowing dust and pollutants to pass through. This can cause damage to other parts of the system, resulting in costly repairs down the line. In addition, the air conditioning unit will eventually break down and cease to function, leading to an even bigger expense. When it comes time to buy a new air filter for your air conditioning system, there are a few things to keep in mind.
If you notice that your air conditioning system isn't performing as well as it should, replacing the air filter may be the solution. When the air isn't flowing as it should, the harmful particles that the filter should be trapping will circulate around your house and contaminate your indoor air. The dirt that accumulates in the filter prevents fresh, clean air from passing through it, making it difficult for the air conditioner to regulate the temperature. Any air filter with a MERV rating higher than 8-10 will be even more effective at blocking out air pollutants, but it will also reduce the performance of your home's air conditioning systems. If you've chosen a higher-efficiency filter, either as part of a COVID mitigation strategy or simply to alleviate allergy symptoms, it's important to remember that these filters need to be changed more frequently than standard HVAC ones.
Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than what is recommended by the boiler or air conditioner manufacturer can actually impair its performance. It is essential to change your air filter regularly as part of a preventive maintenance routine. Doing so can help extend the life of the system and make it work more efficiently. If you're unsure what type of filter to use and how to change it, you can always ask Veteran Air Conditioning or Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric for assistance. Failing to do so can lead to costly repairs and an increase in electricity bills.
