The Importance of Regularly Changing or Cleaning Your HVAC Air Filter

The heat of summer is well on its way, and when it reaches its peak you’ll want to know that you’ll be able to cool your home as effectively and efficiently as possible. In order to get the reliability you deserve, you want to make sure to schedule routine professional maintenance, so that your HVAC technicians can thoroughly clean and inspect all aspects of your system.

In addition to professional maintenance, however, there are a few tasks you can and should take on yourself. This includes being diligent about either changing or cleaning your air filter on a regular basis. Doing so will ensure that your air conditioner performs well throughout the season.

Why Is This Important?

The air filter that your HVAC system comes equipped with is designed to protect your cooling system’s inside components from dirt, debris, and other contaminants that can negatively affect its performance. So if the air filter gets too clogged up, the AC system can’t do its job. It’s important to remember that even if your system is regularly maintained, once or twice a year is not often enough to change your air filter.

This will typically vary depending on manufacturer and system type, but in general, your air filter should be changed out or cleaned every 1–3 months. Three months is standard for average contaminants such as dust and pollen. You might want to do this more often though if you have significant contaminants flowing through your home, such as pet dander or cigarette smoke.

A clogged air filter can cause many problems for your air conditioner. For one, it can lead to increased airflow resistance. As a result, the cost of running your air conditioner may rise. Plus, it can cause ice to develop on your evaporator coil, which doesn’t allow the coil to appropriately absorb heat.

For all other professional air conditioning services in Ashburn, VA, contact AllTech Services, Inc. today.