If you notoriously forget to change your air filter, you’re not alone. We know that daily life is busy, and many homeowners in Ocala, Florida, forget to do this simple maintenance task. How often you need to change the air filter depends on a variety of factors. Ideally, you should change an air filter every three months. If you have pets or suffer from allergies, you’ll probably need to change it more often. If you haven’t changed your AC filter in a long time, the following signs are clues that it needs replacing:
The Air Conditioning Unit is Too Hot
One clear sign that your AC filter needs replacing is when the back of the unit is too hot. If the filter is very dirty, you may even feel warm air coming out of the back of the unit. A clogged filter forces the air conditioner to work harder to keep the house cool. This will lead to more frequent AC repairs and, ultimately, shorten the lifespan of the unit. Lessen the load by simply changing the AC filter regularly.
The Air Isn’t Cold Enough
You can attribute reduced HVAC efficiency to various problems. If you notice that your air conditioner isn’t cooling as it normally does or is blowing warm air, the first thing you should check is the AC filter. A dirty air filter won’t allow that refreshing cool air to properly pass through it, leaving you sitting in a pool of unpleasant sweat. If, however, the air filter is not the problem, an experienced HVAC service technician should investigate the problem and perform the required maintenance.
The Electricity Bill Has Increased
When the electricity bill starts to creep higher, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the cause. It could be a faulty appliance or a poorly functioning AC system. In Florida, we expect higher electric bills during the summer months because we rely so heavily on air conditioning when the heat strikes. However, if your electric bill is higher than normal, the culprit could be a dirty air filter. This is why preventative HVAC maintenance is so important. Keeping your HVAC system well-maintained helps it operate more efficiently. As a result, it lowers your energy bill.
You’re Suffering More Allergy Attacks
Allergy sufferers should be particularly diligent when it comes to changing air filters. Dust pollen, and pet dander cling to the air filter. When the filter becomes saturated with such pollutants, they’ll get blown out and circulated in the air throughout your home. As a result, you’ll suffer the misery of allergy attacks more frequently.
Your home’s air conditioner can either impact your health positively or negatively. Use the AC system to improve your home’s indoor air quality rather than worsen it. Keep the AC filter clean, and consider adding an air purifier. You should soon notice a decrease in symptoms.
There’s More Dust Near the Air Vents
Another common sign of a dirty air filter is finding dust on surfaces and furniture near the vents. Compare these surfaces to other surfaces farther away. If the surfaces nearest the vents are dustier while others appear cleaner, it’s a sure sign that your air filter needs replacing.
One clever way to determine if the air filter is dirty is to do the "white sheet test." This involves hanging a clean white sheet approximately 5 inches away from one of the vents for at least one hour. If the sheet turns gray, you’ve got a filthy air filter. The grayer the sheet, the dirtier the filter.
The AC filter is not the most complicated part of an air conditioning system, yet it can drastically affect its efficiency and the air quality in your home. Avoid these problems by remembering to check and replace your AC filters regularly. At Sun Kool Air Conditioning, Inc., we make it easy for you to order AC filters online. Alternatively, join our Kool Club maintenance program. We’ll check your filter during out biannual service calls. To find out more, give us a call at (352) 330-1067.
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