Changing your home’s air conditioning filter is an important part of home maintenance. A dirty air filter can affect the performance of your air conditioning system and reduce indoor air quality.
The frequency at which your air conditioning filter should be changed depends of a few factors including the size of the home, the number of occupants, the presence of pets, and the type/quality of air filter you have installed.
In general, most experts recommend changing your air conditioning filter every 30-90 days.
Types of Air Filters
Most air conditioning filters fall under two categories: fiberglass and pleaded.
Fiberglass filters are generally cheaper but have to be replaced more often. These filters allow a lot of airflow but don’t always do the best job of trapping dust and pollutants. Still, fiberglass filters can be a good option depending on the type of HVAC system you have installed.
Pleaded air conditioning filters are more durable and are usually made of higher quality materials. These filters do a better job at trapping dust and pollutants which makes them a great option for people with allergies or medical conditions.
Pleaded air filters usually have a rating which corresponds to the number of microparticles the filter can trap. The higher the rating, the greater number of microparticles the filter will remove from your home’s air.
Unfortunately, some high performance air filters can end up restricting too much airflow. Airflow restrictions can decrease the efficiency of your system and even cause it to freeze.
If you’re unsure what filter to use, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations or talk to a professional HVAC contractor.
Filter Size
Air conditioning filters come in a wide range of sizes. The size of the filter is typically printed on the filter’s cardboard frame. Choosing a filter that fits properly is very important. A filter that is too big can be difficult to remove and a filter that is too small can get suctioned into the return duct.
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