One of the most common things people ask us here at Air Con Service Near Me is “How often should you change your air conditioning filter?” Keeping your air conditioning system in peak condition is important for clean air and a comfortable home, and its air filters may an essential role in making that happen.
Your air conditioner filters trap a wide range of airborne materials and contaminants in order to maintain a high level of indoor air quality. A clogged air filter reduces airflow, which results in high energy bills and puts avoidable strain on your air conditioning system.
It’s important to regularly clean and change your AC filter to help keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly. But just how often should you do it? Let’s find out why AC filter maintenance matters and how to determine the right schedule for your system.
Understanding the Different Types of Air Conditioner Filters
Before we explore just how often you need to change your AC filter, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the different types of air conditioner filters available. They include:
- Disposable fibreglass filters: These air conditioner filters are affordable and an option many people use. However, they do only capture larger particles like dust and dirt.
- Pleated filters: Air filters made from pleated paper or fabric. They offer better filtration than disposable filters by also trapping smaller particles like mould spores and pet dander.
- HEPA filters: Well-regarded for their high efficiency, HEPA filters capture tiny particles and allergens. It makes them the perfect air conditioning filter for households with allergy sufferers.
- Washable filters: These air filters are reusable and cost-effective but need regular cleaning to maintain performance.
Understanding the options available helps you choose the best filter for your air conditioning system.
Why are Air Conditioner Filters Important?
Aircon filters serve the dual purpose of maintaining the cleanliness of the air inside your home and helping your AC system run smoothly. These filters trap dust, dirt, pet dander, mould spores and other contaminants from circulating inside your home.
A good air conditioner filter improves indoor air quality while also protecting the unit from wear and tear caused by clogged filters. When air filters suffer blockages, they restrict airflow and force your AC unit to work harder. This, in turn, increases your energy use AND your electricity bill.
Over time this can lead to lower system performance, bad odours and even health problems like allergy symptoms or respiratory issues. Maintaining your filters regularly ensures cleaner air, better performance and lower energy costs.
Finding the Right Schedule for Cleaning and Changing Air Filters
So how often should you change your air conditioning filter? Just how frequently you do it depends on many factors, including the type of filter you use.
- Disposable filters: Change them out every 30 days. These need regular replacements to maintain efficiency.
- Pleated filters: Replace every 60–90 days. These filters last longer but require frequent changes to avoid clogging.
- Washable filters: Clean every 30 days and make sure they’ve completely dried before putting them back into the indoor unit.
- HEPA Filters: Replace every 6–12 months, depending on manufacturer recommendations and usage.
As for those many factors? If you live in a home with pets or with people who suffer from allergies, you may need more frequent filter cleans or changes to keep everyone happy and everything running smoothly.
No matter what type of filters you use, it’s worth cleaning them every two to three weeks for maximum efficiency. We recommend always checking the owner’s manual for your air conditioner; this will provide specific guidelines for your unit.
Signs That It’s Time to Change Your Aircon Filter
Aside from the recommended filter change frequencies, sometimes the indoor unit of your air conditioner will simply tell you in its own way that it’s time. Here are the signs to look out for:
- There’s visible dirt or dust on the air conditioner filter.
- Your air conditioner stops providing its normal airflow.
- Electricity bills increase because a blockage in the filter makes your air conditioner work harder.
- Unpleasant odours are coming from the aircon unit.
- Members of your household experience allergy symptoms or respiratory infections.
If you experience any of these, replace your filter immediately to avoid stress on your aircon and optimal air quality.
The Cost of Skipping Air Filter Maintenance
Not changing or cleaning your clogged air filter can cause big problems for your system and the air in your home.
Clogged filters can restrict airflow in your air conditioner. They make your system work harder to get to your desired temperature. That extra work uses more energy. This means higher energy bills and greater stress on the air handler and cooling unit. Over time, that can shorten the life of your system and cost you repairs or replacements.
Additionally, not changing your filter or skipping necessary maintenance lets contaminants become airborne throughout your home. Changing your filter fixes that.
How to Maintain Your Air Filter
Maintaining your air conditioner filter is key to clean air, efficient cooling and preventing increased energy bills. Follow these tips:
- Check your filter every month for visible dirt or debris.
- Swap out your old disposable filters with new filters every 30 days, or more frequently depending on usage and environmental factors.
- Clean reusable filters with mild soap and water, but dry them completely before putting them back.
- Keep the presence of contaminants to a minimum by keeping the area around your aircon unit dust and dirt-free.
- Examine the air handler and return air duct of your AC unit for clogs that might wreak havoc on the system.
Consistent air filter maintenance keeps indoor air quality at its peak while also making sure your cooling system runs longer.
What a Licensed Aircon Technician Can Do
To keep your air conditioner running as efficiently and safely as possible, you’ll need the expertise of a licensed technician in your corner.
A qualified and experienced air con technician can inspect and service your unit, replace clogged filters and clean essential components in the outdoor and indoor units. They can detect problems caused by blocked filters before those problems snowball and require costly repairs.
Regular professional maintenance doesn’t just improve indoor air quality. It also keeps your cooling system energy efficient and always running at its best. Ignoring essential maintenance can place avoidable stress on the unit, drive up your electricity bills and even exacerbate respiratory problems due to poor air quality.
Trusting a licensed expert gives you peace of mind and long-term comfort.
Run Your Aircon Smoothly and Breathe Fresh Air
So, to repeat the question, how often should you change your air conditioning filter?
Regular, consistent changes are one of the easiest ways to enjoy clean air and an efficient cooling system. A clean filter ensures proper airflow, lowers electricity bills and prevents stress on your aircon unit. Ignoring a clogged filter can lead to higher electricity consumption, health problems from poor indoor air quality and costly repairs later on.
No matter what type of filters you use, staying on top of regular maintenance matters. For peace of mind and expert care, call a licensed aircon technician. Keep your cooling system in top shape and breathe fresh air all year round.
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