The Importance of Regularly Changing Your AC Filter

close up of an AC air filter to demonstrate the importance of changing your AC filter regularly

Maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment is essential, especially during the hot summer months. One crucial aspect of this is ensuring your air conditioning system is running efficiently. A key component that often gets overlooked is changing your AC filter regularly.

Understanding Why Changing Your AC Filter Regularly Matters

Discover how changing your AC filter regularly will positively impact your comfort, health, and wallet:

A close up of an AC filter to demonstrate the importance of why you should be changing your AC filter regularly

Why Changing Your AC Filter Regularly Is Necessary

Your AC filter plays a vital role in maintaining the efficiency of your air conditioning system. It works by trapping dust, dirt, and other airborne particles, preventing them from entering the system and circulating in your home. When the AC filter becomes clogged, it can’t perform its job effectively, leading to several issues.

  1. Improved Air Quality: One of the primary functions of an AC filter is to improve indoor air quality. When the filter is clean, it effectively removes dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens from the air. However, a dirty or clogged filter loses its efficiency, allowing these particles to recirculate throughout your home. This can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues, especially for those with preexisting conditions.
  2. Enhanced System Efficiency: A clean AC filter ensures your air conditioning system runs smoothly and efficiently. When the filter is clogged, the system has to work harder to pull air through, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. By changing your AC filter regularly, you can help your system run more efficiently, saving you money in the long run. Consider purchasing your next AC filter at Hometown Heating, Air & Electric.
  3. Prevention of System Breakdowns: Neglecting to change your AC filter can lead to more significant problems down the line. A clogged filter can cause the system to overheat, leading to potential breakdowns and costly repairs. Regularly replacing the AC filter helps to prevent these issues, extending the lifespan of your air conditioning unit and ensuring it operates reliably.

How Often You Should Change Your AC Filter

The frequency of changing your filter depends on several factors, including the type of filter, the number of people in your household, and whether you have pets. Here’s how often we’d recommend changing your AC filter, depending on your unique circumstances:

  • Standard Filters: Change every 30-60 days
  • High-Efficiency Filters: Change every 90 days
  • Homes with Pets or Allergies: Change every 20-45 days

Check your AC filter regularly and replace it when it appears dirty or clogged. Doing so ensures your air conditioning system continues to perform optimally.

Why Reusing AC Filters Isn’t Worth It

While it might be tempting to reuse an old AC filter to save money, this practice can lead to several issues. Reused filters are less effective at trapping particles, leading to poor air quality. They can also harbor mold and mildew, which are harmful to your health. Additionally, reused filters can become damaged over time, reducing their efficiency and potentially causing damage to your AC system.

How to Regularly Maintain Your AC Unit

At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we recommend scheduling regular maintenance for your air conditioning system. Our NATE-certified technicians can perform comprehensive tune-ups, including changing your filter, to ensure your system runs efficiently all summer long. We take pride in our meticulous work and strive to exceed your expectations.

Changing your AC filter regularly is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining your home’s comfort and air quality. It improves system efficiency, prevents costly breakdowns, and ensures you breathe cleaner air. Don’t underestimate the importance of this small maintenance task.

By prioritizing regular AC filter changes, you can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable home environment and avoid unnecessary expenses. For professional support and all your HVAC needs, contact Hometown Heating, Air & Electric today. We’re here to keep your home comfortable and your air conditioning system running smoothly.

Stay Cool All Summer With These Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

A technician performing air conditioner maintenance on an AC unit.

As the warm summer months approach, it’s crucial to ensure your air conditioning system is in top shape to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills in check. Proper air conditioner maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your unit but also improves its efficiency, resulting in lower utility costs and a more enjoyable living environment.

In this blog post, we’ll explore five maintenance tips to help you prepare your air conditioner for the upcoming season.

5 Maintenance Tips to Ready Your Air Conditioner for the Summer

Beat the heat this summer with these air conditioner maintenance tips:

A technician performing air conditioner maintenance on an AC unit.

1. Schedule Air Conditioner Maintenance Tune-ups

One of the most important aspects of air conditioner maintenance is scheduling annual tune-ups with a professional HVAC technician. During a maintenance visit, a technician’s job is to ensure your system is ready to operate efficiently throughout the season. At this appointment, a technician will go through a series of checks, inspections, and cleaning on your unit, including the following:

  • Clean the evaporator coil inside
  • Inspect the coil to ensure there are no leaks
  • Clean and inspect your circulating fan wheel
  • Lubricate the fan motor
  • Inspect and tighten the mounting bolts
  • Inspect your electrical wiring and connections
  • Clean and inspect the outside condenser
  • Check the refrigerant level in your system

Regular maintenance can catch potential problems early, preventing costly breakdowns and extending the life of your air conditioner.

2. Clean or Replace Filters Regularly

Clogged or dirty air filters can significantly reduce your air conditioner’s efficiency and strain the system, leading to higher energy bills and potential breakdowns. Make it a habit to clean or replace your filters every one to three months, or as recommended by the manufacturer. This simple task can make a noticeable difference in your unit’s performance and indoor air quality.

At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we sell a variety of filters. Please visit our online shop to check out the filter options we offer.

3. Seal Any Openings Around Your Home

Air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings in your home can cause your air conditioner to work harder than necessary, wasting energy and money. These gaps and cracks act as pathways for cool air to escape and hot air to enter, forcing your AC unit to run longer and work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This not only drives up your energy bills but also puts unnecessary strain on the system, potentially leading to premature wear and tear or even breakdowns.

Take the time to thoroughly inspect your home for any air leaks. Common culprits include gaps around window and door frames, electrical outlets, attic hatches, and any cracks or holes in walls, floors, or ceilings. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these openings, effectively creating an airtight barrier that prevents air exchange between the inside and outside of your home. Cool air will stay where it belongs, inside your living spaces, while hot outdoor air will be kept at bay.

4. Utilize Your Thermostat Efficiently

Programming your thermostat properly can help you save energy and money while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most use out of your thermostat:

  • Set your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away from home or during sleeping hours.
  • Make sure your thermostat is located in a suitable area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, to ensure accurate temperature readings.
  • Consider investing in a smart thermostat. Since they are electronic, programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With programmable thermostats, you can control the temperature in your home at different times of day without ever touching your thermostat.

And if you run into issues or inaccurate readings, Hometown Heating, Air & Electric is here to help! We can accurately troubleshoot any type of malfunction and can repair your thermostat if you run into issues.

5. Consider Upgrading to a New Unit

If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old or showing signs of frequent breakdowns, it may be time to consider upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model. Here are a few signs your AC may be due for replacement:

  • Does not maintain set temperature
  • Older than 10-15 years
  • Facing costly repairs
  • Increasing energy bills
  • Uneven cooling in different rooms

At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we can install upgraded systems, such as split air conditioning systems and Energy Star models.

By following these air conditioner maintenance tips, you can ensure your system is ready to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the summer months.

Contact us today to schedule your annual tune-up with Hometown Heating, Air & Electric today and enjoy a worry-free summer.