Here’s an easy but important maintenance tip for your heating and cooling system.
People always ask me what they can do to help their A/C unit perform at its peak during our hot summer months. That’s any easy question to answer. If you have to pick just one task to complete to ensure the indoor comfort and energy efficiency of your home this summer, I suggest you change the A/C filter every month.
Airflow is a crucial component in any air conditioning system. The volume of air passing over the evaporator coil determines how efficiently the coil extracts heat and humidity from the interior. Airflow is also the critical factor in maintaining consistent comfort throughout all living spaces of the home.
Since the entire volume of air in your system passes through the filter, a neglected air filter can become clogged or impacted and it will negatively affect almost every function in the system. Keep in mind that changing the air filter is simple and inexpensive and you can do it yourself.
Here are some other reasons to change the A/C filter regularly this summer:
- Filters are relatively cheap, they cost anywhere from a few dollars to $20 – $30. Some specialty filters can cost more but the cost of any filter is much less than the cost of replacing a major component on your A/C system. For example, a dirty or clogged filter strains the air handler blower motor, one of the system’s costliest components. A stressed blower motor may overheat and fail prematurely. Replacing a blower motor will cost in the hundreds of dollars.
- If your filter is dirty it will cause your major components like the blower and compressor to run overtime in a condition they were not designed for (low airflow) to meet thermostat settings. This strains the component and consumes excess electricity. So, if you are changing your filter monthly you will cause better airflow, your system will run with less stress and you should see a noticeable decline in utility costs. Catastrophic compressor failure is often attributable to lack of filter maintenance and compressors are the most expensive component to replace in your system.
- As you can imagine, a dirty filter means dirty air in your home or office. As your air filter becomes dirtier, its’ filtering capacity declines steadily, and your indoor air quality degrades at the same rate. Airborne particulates including allergens like mold spores, pollen and pet dander are continually recirculated in your breathing air.
- Don’t forget about your ductwork. If your ducts have not been cleaned recently or you have not been changing your filters regularly, there is probably a buildup of dust and other particulates inside of your ducts. Ductwork contamination becomes a permanent source of poor air quality that can only be resolved by expensive duct cleaning.
- And you can be green by changing your filter regularly. Your home’s contribution to greenhouse gases and the size of its carbon footprint are directly related to HVAC system efficiency, which in turn relies on regular filter changes.
- Ultra Air Conditioning wants to help you “Live Comfortably.” Call us today at 520-392-8008 and we will be glad to help you improve the air quality in your home.
