Can you remember the last time you changed your HVAC filter? You may not realize how important it is to be regular with air filter replacement. If you are a beginner, then this guide is for you.
You must check on the AC air filter and change it if required. Air filters trap dust, dirt, pollen, and allergens. If you don’t replace them, then you are inhaling dust mites as the air recirculates. Also, your air conditioning system has to work harder if you keep using old filters.
How often should you replace your air filters, by the way? We have included everything you need to know in this guide. So, let’s get started.
Introduction to Air Filter
Before you learn why and how often you should get an air filter replacement, let’s see what it is. An air filter is often made from pleated paper or spun fiberglass. It is framed with cardboard and placed in the return air duct.
What do air filters do? Well, they prevent airborne contaminants from circulating within the indoor air. Also, they prohibit the contaminants from entering the air-conditioning system. Typically, filters block out the following entities:
- Dust
- Dirt
- Lint
- Mould
- Pet hair
- Bacteria and more.
In addition, air filters have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). Moreover, it determines the type and size of pollutants prevented by the air filter.
Reasons to Change Your AC Air Filter
Imagine your air conditioning unit breaking down on a scorching summer day. If you don’t conduct a regular AC filter change, then it might give you the following consequences:
Induced Health Risks
Over time, your air filter can be filled with too much dirt, allergens, and dust mites. Hence, the air filter may lose its efficiency. If the air filter fails, you will be exposed to allergens, dust, and airborne contaminants. These are enough to lead to respiratory problems that can damage your health.
Higher Energy Bills
Clogged air filters make your HVAC system work harder. It struggles to pull indoor air through, which cools your living space. Since your air conditioning unit has to work harder, it will run longer. Thus, you will encounter higher energy bills.
Unexpected System Failure
Changing your AC filter on time is key. If you don’t, your HVAC unit will work harder. This can make it a tough job to keep your space comfortable. If you force the unit, then it might have to work twice as hard. This can cause the entire system to experience a premature failure. That’s why AC maintenance Dubai services are required. Otherwise, you might have to invest in expensive repair or replacement services.
So, you can guess why it is important for you to consider regular replace your air filters. How often should you do that? The next section has your answer.
When to Change Your Air Filter?
Specialists usually suggest changing the air filter every 90 days, or every 3 months. Indeed, the best AC maintenance near me suggests the same. However, you should change air filters every 30 days if they are basic fiberglass ones. Higher-quality ones can potentially last up to 6 months.
Still, you should change them every 90 days for better performance and health aspects. Old filters are not that efficient. So, they can put a strain on your air conditioning system. Consequently, you will encounter higher energy consumption and damage. Changing your AC filters regularly keeps your home safe and comfy.
Do you need to change your air filter more often? Think about these factors to find the best time to change your AC filter.
Respiratory Illnesses
A clogged air filter can harm people with respiratory conditions and allergies. Indeed, their lungs are very sensitive to dust and airborne contaminants. A dirty air filter can lead to serious health issues, like asthma attacks.
Air conditioning services in Dubai suggest changing the air filter every 20 to 45 days. This is important if anyone in your family has asthma or allergies.
Your Home Size
How often you must consider an AC filter change also depends on your home’s size. The bigger your home is, the more air your air conditioning system has to pump. If your home is smaller, then there will be less air pumping.
So, bigger homes need more frequent filter changes. However, you should keep checking the air filter no matter how big or small your home is.
Presence of Pets
Do you live with your furry buddies? Then, your air filter traps pet hair and gets clogged up quickly. Hence, you should replace your air filters every 60 days when you have pets. So, you might have to be more frequent during your pets’ shedding season.
System Use
Typically, your air filter will clog up faster the more you use the air conditioning system. This means that you need more frequent air filter replacements during high-use periods. For example, you may start using air conditioners every day as summer approaches.
Whereas in the cooler seasons of the year, you may use an air conditioner occasionally. Contact an AC maintenance Dubai service provider for more details.
Location of Your Home
In Dubai, your home has to withstand frequent sandstorms. Also, if you live in a busy city with lots of construction or traffic, your filters can get dirty faster. So, you may have to replace your air filters more frequently.
Outdoor and indoor air quality impacts how long your air filter lasts and when it needs replacing. If you feel that the air quality is too poor, then frequent AC filter replacements are mandatory. Malfunctions are quite common when poor-quality air recirculates through the air filters.
Type of the Air Filter
The best AC maintenance near me shows that the air filter type affects how often you should change it. For example, you can change basic fiberglass filters every 30 days. However, high-quality pleated filters can be replaced every 90 days.
Age of the AC System
Reportedly, older air conditioning systems might not be as efficient as newer models. So, they can accumulate more dust and debris compared to newer ones. Replacing air filters makes it easier to keep older systems running well.
Steps to Change An Air Filter
Air conditioning services in Dubai say that replacing your air filter is easy. However, you might need a ladder to access the return air duct. The rest of the air filter replacement is easy, such as:
- First, switch off your air conditioner system.
- Then, check out your return air duct. It’s the vent that draws air from your home. It’s typically on the ceiling or wall covered with a grille. Access it to locate the air filter.
- Pull the grille and remove the filter. Usually, you don’t need any tools for removing the air filter.
- Now, inspect the air filter. If it’s gray and has a thick layer of dust, then you must replace it.
- Then. Get a replacement air filter of the right size.
- Insert the new filter in place and position the cover to the return air duct.
Should You Call a Pro for Your AC Maintenance in Dubai?
In general, an air filter replacement is a DIY job if you are comfortable with it. Otherwise, you should call a professional. A pro can handle AC filter replacement and other maintenance. This helps the system run efficiently.
Above all, it’s good to avail of air conditioning services in Dubai to extend the lifespan of the appliance. If your air conditioner is acting up or you’re having trouble breathing, call the top AC maintenance company near me.