Summer isn’t going anywhere anytime soon… c’ mon, you’ve still got PLENTY of ice cream to eat, barbeques to go to, and pools to jump in to. Oh, and of course, you’ve got an air filter that needs to be changed!
Yes, that’s right, if you have not changed out your air filter yet this summer, now is the time to do so! In fact, it’s important that you change your air filter every 1-3 months during the summer season. Don’t believe us? Well, keep reading below and find out why changing out your air filter every once and a while is a VERY GOOD thing!
Here’s Why You’ve Got to Change It!
Changing out your air conditioner’s air filter is extremely important. Here’s why:
- It Keeps Your System Efficient: There are a few ways in which failure to change your air filter regularly can drag down your home cooling efficiency levels. First of all, your air conditioner will have to work harder simply in order to push air through a clogged up filter. This will require it to use more energy in doing so, resulting in higher cooling costs. Additionally, pollutants may build up on sensitive components within the system itself, leading to higher operational costs.
- It Protects Your System from Damages: You may not realize it, but failure to change your air filter can actually lead to system damages as well. When your system must work harder and harder in order to cool your home, due to your clogged filter, it will incur increased wear and tear. Over time, this can lead to compromises in operational integrity. Icing may also develop on coils, putting your system at further risk.
- It Maintains High Indoor Air Quality: While the purpose of this particular air filter is to protect your HVAC system from pollutant buildup, allowing it to get clogged can indeed negatively impact the air quality in your home. Air may be forced around the filter if it cannot pass through, and pollutants in that air will bypass the filter as well. Cut down on system strain, enjoy a more affordable cooling performance, and maintain high indoor air quality by changing your filter regularly.
You Can Do it Yourself!
Now, if you’ve read our blog before, then you know that there are not many things that we recommend you do yourself. However, changing out your air filter is certainly one thing you can do on your own. First, you need to purchase a new air filter—just make sure you check your owner’s manual first to ensure that you buy the right one! Second, turn off your air conditioner. Next, remove the dirty filter—most air filters can be found to the right or bottom of the unit and should easily pull out of the slot. Finally, use the arrows on the new filter to ensure that you install it in the proper position. It should slide easily into place! There you did it!
Should you need assistance locating or replacing your air filter, contact your favorite Arlington, VA HVAC company. Call or click Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. today!