How Often Should You Change Your AC Filter?

Yes, it is winter, and yes you’re probably using your heat right now, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry about the filters for your air conditioner. Most air conditioning units are also the same units providing heat. So how often do you need to change the filter?

It depends on quite a few factors:

How often do you use the system?

Are you using it daily? Typically in the Bradenton and surrounding areas during the warmer months it’s on daily. In the winter we can get away with not using it as much, unless we’re using it for heat during that time.

How Many People are in the home?

The number of people in the house will affect the air quality. The air quality is affected even more if there are pets in the home.

Do You Have Allergies?

If you have allergies, you’re going to want to have a VERY clean air filter, or a special HEPA air filter.

A general rule of thumb for changing air filters is every 1-3 months. That can vary depending on the different situations listed above, but try not to go longer than 3 months.

Air filters are not solely responsible for helping to keep the air clean, but to maintain the useful life of your air conditioning unit. When the filter is filled up with dust and debris, the unit won’t cool as effectively, the unit will work harder to cool, and eventually that same dust and debris will make its way into the unit clogging it and losing efficiency.

LaPensee Plumbing offers an AC Maintenance Plan which provides regular air conditioner maintenance giving improved system performance, extending the life of your system parts and equipment, as well as preventing costly and inconvenient breakdowns. Contact LaPensee about AC maintenance today!