Air filters play a crucial role in your cooling system. They provide a clean and healthy environment, ensuring your system operates efficiently and lasts longer. That said, many people neglect to consider the importance of filter maintenance.
So, how often should you change your AC filter? As Littleton’s superior AC repair specialist, Southwest Heating & Cooling delves deeper into filter replacement and offers expert advice on maintaining your system for optimal performance and longevity.
When To Change Your AC Filter
The frequency of changing your AC filter depends on several factors. Always consult a professional for your AC maintenance needs and consider the following factors before changing your filter.
The Type of Filter You Use
The types of filters you use in your Littleton home can impact how often you replace them. For standard one- to three-inch air filters, consider changing them every 30 to 60 days if you have no allergies.
Should you have light to moderate allergies, replace the filters more frequently, around every three weeks.
Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality
Does your home have poor, fair, good, or excellent indoor air quality? For example, smoking is a common contributor to poor indoor air quality. If you notice strange smells coming from your air conditioning system, these could signal the need for a tune-up.
Call an expert technician to address these issues and improve your home’s air quality.
The Number of People in Your Home
If you live alone, have no allergies, and have no pets, an annual or biannual air filter replacement should suffice. However, if you have a large family with several kids, you’ll need to change your air filter more frequently, say every 20 to 45 days, to keep your indoor air optimal.
The Air Quality Outdoors Around Your House
Living in a rural area or away from industrial zones means the air around your house is likely free of pollutants. However, nearby construction projects can increase outdoor dust levels, making it necessary to replace your AC filters every 30 to 60 days.
The same recommendation applies if you live near a heavily traveled roadway.
The Type and Number of Pets You Have
How often should you change your AC filter? Consider the type and number of pets in your home. Except for hypoallergenic breeds like the Yorkshire terrier, most pets shed dander, requiring more frequent filter changes.
With one pet, change your AC filter every 60 days. With multiple pets, replace the filter every 20 to 45 days.
Finding the Right AC Filter for Your Littleton Home
Filter types and sizes vary, which makes choosing one more challenging than it might seem. Consult your manufacturer or local HVAC technician to discover the most appropriate filter for your AC system.
Alternatively, remove the current filter in your unit and check the frame for labeled dimensions or other identifying information to order the correct replacement.
Benefits of Routine AC Maintenance
Regular AC maintenance from seasoned experts protects your cooling system from overworking because of clogged filters.
An experienced technician can inspect, clean, and optimize your air conditioning system to determine whether you need replacement parts, including air filters, or a more efficient cooling system.
Moreover, regular maintenance keeps your warranty valid, as most manufacturers require annual tune-ups. Many HVAC companies offer yearly maintenance plans with automated reminders.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right filter for your AC system matters. Change or clean filters regularly, and always replace a clogged filter with a new one. We recommend checking your filter every month and replacing it every month or two.
This practice becomes especially important during peak usage times like summer when your AC system puts in extra effort to keep your home cool. If you have pets or allergies, change your filters more often than the equipment manufacturer recommends to keep your symptoms at bay.
Choose Southwest Heating & Cooling for Top-Tier HVAC Solutions in Littleton, Colorado
Now that you know the answer to “How often should you change your AC filter?” keep your cooling system running efficiently and maintain good indoor air quality with professional in-home services.
For all your HVAC needs, from filter replacements to replacing an AC unit, trust our qualified technicians at Southwest Heating & Cooling. We offer unparalleled HVAC solutions that elevate your comfort and prioritize your peace of mind.
Contact our seasoned Southwest Heating & Cooling crew at (720) 513-9324 to address further concerns and schedule HVAC service in Littleton, Colorado.