Aussies spend about 90% of their time indoors. An air conditioner needs to be working in optimal condition to ensure the indoor air quality is healthy and pollutant and contaminant free. Hence, regularly cleaning and replacing air filters should be on your priority list.
However, while most systems in Australia have replaceable aircon filters, many homeowners often forget about their filters.
Changing the filters is crucial. It ensures your AC works in tiptop condition, improves indoor air quality and keeps energy bills low. Also, it has an impact on the integrity of your HVAC appliance, saving them from unnecessary repairs and saving yourself from high energy bills.
An AC filter collects dust and other airborne pollutants that accumulate over time and block regular airflow. Hence, if you do not change air filters on schedule, it could lead to your AC producing odours and other issues.
3 Important Reasons to Change Your Air Conditioning Filters
Aircon filters play a significant role in an expensive AC unit. They are one of the most crucial factors that impact the efficiency of your AC unit as they trap and filter air contaminants, such as the following:
- Mould, dust, pollen and debris
- Fibres
- Wood, metal and paint particles
- Bacteria, pathogens and microorganisms
- Animal hair, human hair and pet dander.
Therefore, if you skip maintenance and delay the cleaning and changing of the air filters of your AC unit, you could be missing benefits, such as the following:
- Health and Wellness—According to WHO, living in a mould-infested home increases your risk of contracting asthma and other respiratory infections.
- Comfort—Blocked and limited airflow results in a distinctive musty odour in the air, which is unhealthy and uncomfortable for the entire home.
- Consistent Performance—Failure on your part to change or clean the air filters could impact the performance of your AC.
Signs of a Replaceable Air Filter
Changing a dirty AC filter is non-negotiable if you want your AC to function well. The following are obvious indications that you need to change your filter:
- Dirt on the filter and air vents
- Increased energy bills
- Mouldy or musty odours.
So, How Frequently Should You Really Change Your AC Filters?
The answer to this is, it depends. Check the FAQs below to give you insights prior to changing your AC filters. In case you’re in trouble, seek the help of your AC technician for your AC repair and service.
What Type of Air Conditioning Filter Do You Use?
The type of air conditioning filter in your system will impact how often you replace the filters themselves. If you use 1-to-3-inch aircon filters, you should switch filters every 30 to 60 days if you don’t have allergies. But if you have allergies, switch filters or replace them around every three weeks.
How Would You Rate Your Air Quality Indoors?
The rating could range from poor to excellent. A poor rating is usually the case if someone smokes in the house.
Have You Noticed Any Odd Smells Emanating from Your AC System?
If you notice strange smells, call an AC professional at once because this could be a sign that your AC needs some troubleshooting.
What Type of Pets Do You Own?
Some pets are hypoallergenic and do not shed dander. However, the type and number of pets that come and go in your home dictate how often you should replace AC filters. For one pet, you might need to change the AC air filter at least every 60 days. Adding another or having multiple pets and the frequency could increase for up to every 20 to 45 days.
How Many Members Do You Have in Your Household?
If you live alone and do not own pets, and have no allergies, you can change filters at an interval of up to 6 to 12 months.
But if there are kids and several adults in your household, a more frequent air filter change of every 20 to 45 days is needed to improve your home’s air quality.
How Would You Estimate the Level of Air Pollution Outdoors Surrounding Your House?
If you live in the countryside, or the AC is installed in a vacation home that you only occasionally use, the air around your house should be free of high pollution levels. There would be fewer vehicles that pollute the air. If there is an ongoing construction project near your home, the dust outdoors increases. Hence, it is recommended you replace your air filters as often as every 30 to 60 days. The same rule applies if you live near a busy road.
How to Find the Right AC Replacement Filter?
The size and type of filter available can vary. Ask the manufacturer or your trusted AC expert to know the right air filter for your system. Visit the website of your AC manufacturer to learn where you can purchase air filters for your system or ask a tech expert for the exact size you need.
Another option is to remove the one you are currently using and check the frame for the dimensions (width, depth and height) and other details.
Conclusion
If you observe that your AC system is not cooling efficiently or eats up too much energy, your system might require a comprehensive tune-up.
You must select the right filter for your AC. The key is to have a scheduled change or clean up. If you have allergies or own a pet, switch filters more often.
