Many responsibilities are surrounding you, from work commitments to family to home chores. That said, changing air filters could be the last thing on your mind. You are not alone. Many homeowners easily forget to change the ac air filters. Nonetheless, you need to be concerned since some pollutants and irritants could be circulating your home. The reason is that air filters become dirty by trapping allergens, debris, dirt, pet hairs, pollens, and other contaminants. If you are not sure about changing your air filter, look out for the clues below.
You Do Not Recall the Last Replacement
If you honestly do not remember the last time you changed your air filter, then it is time. The air filters play an essential role in capturing mold, allergens, pollen, and dirt particles. Nonetheless, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology states three months is way too long for an air filter swap, as it may lead to allergies or asthma. There is also a high likelihood your air filter is dirty, and some of the contaminants are circulating back into your living areas. Therefore, suppose you do not remember when you did the last replacement, you must change the air filter.
Unusual Noises From the Engine
If you begin to hear abnormal noises from your engine, it may be an indicator that there is insufficient airflow. Vibrations accompanied by popping sounds indicate that you need to inspect the filter for any blockage. Clogged filters are a trigger to the system and should be changed promptly.
A Spike in Electricity Bills
It is hard to detect a higher electricity bill attributed to air filters due to other home appliances. However, it is normal for the cooling costs to rise a bit during summer due to the over-reliance on the air conditioner. Nonetheless, should you notice abnormal bills, the air filter is the usual suspect. Typically, a clogged and dirty air filter will cause the AC system to overwork, reflecting on the energy costs. On the other hand, a clean, normally functioning air filter should reduce energy consumption by up to 15 %.
A Rise in Allergies
As we had discussed earlier, a dirty filter will fail to trap all air contaminants. The result is a rise of allergens in your home noticed by more sniffles every time people get into the house. Such observations are essential, especially when you have persons with chronic conditions such as asthma. One of the best ways to end this problem is to get a MERV 13 rating replacement such as the 16x25x1 air filter. Any filter with a MERV rating of 13 or above is suitable to capture all types of allergens, pollens, pet danders, or clothe lint.
The Areas Close to the Air Vents are Dusty
If you notice dust buildup near the vents more than in other areas in your home, you need to change the air filter. Mostly, you will see ash-like dust on your carpet or furniture near the vent. If you are not sure, you may consider conducting the white sheet test. Usually, you require a clean white sheet placed 5 to 8 inches from the vent. If you notice that the sheet is turning grey after an hour, your filter is dirty. The darker the shade of grey, so is the dirt on your filter.
The Air Conditioner is Excessively Hot
A dirty air filter will make your air conditioner overheat. The reason is that the clogs block airflow making the ac unit work harder. As a result, you may notice too much heat from the back of your ac. Consequently, overheating will lead to frequent repairs and a shorter lifespan of your system. Consider replacing the air filters regularly whenever you notice too much heat.
Conclusion
As we have observed, it is necessary to have a regular replacement of your air filters. However, to avoid delays and improve air quality in your home, schedule a frequent maintenance routine for your ac unit with professionals.
