Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home and family comfortable. There are a lot of things in the air we breathe, and your air conditioner also filters out various particles and contaminants as they circulate through your HVAC system. Dust and dirt, pollen, pet dander, and smoke are just a few of the things that your AC filter pulls out of the air to make the air pumped throughout your home that much healthier.
It’s easy to forget about your air filter. The Colorado climate can be pretty mild, and if your unit is efficient enough, you can go long periods of time without even considering what’s happening with your HVAC system. However, with Denver air conditioning, there are a number of factors that can play into the frequency in which the filters need to be changed.
Different Type of Filters
One of the main factors that will determine how often you replace your AC filter are what type of filter you’re using. There are a few different kinds of filters out there, and each one of them has a different lifespan. Most disposable filters (your standard 1-3 inch filters) will generally last 1-3 months. However, if you have allergies, live in a dusty area, or have pets, you may want to change them every 1-2 months.
Another option are washable and reusable filters. These need to be cleaned to maintain their effectiveness, and most of these can last a long time if washed every 1-3 months. The top-rated filters on the market are high-efficiency filters also known as HEPA- or HERV-rated filters. These are effective at trapping small particles and allergens, and often don’t need to be replaced for six months to a year. Those are more expensive, but might be necessary depending on the air quality and usage in your home.
How Much Are You Running the AC?
The other major factor that can impact the lifespan and effectiveness of your filter is the amount of usage. This can depend on a number of variables, as well. How much of a workout your AC unit is getting everyday can depend on things like the size of your home, the number of occupants in your home, whether or not you have pets, if there’s smoking in the home, or other environmental factors like pollen or dust.
One or more of these factors can cut down on the effectiveness of your filter, simply because it has to work harder to keep up with things. In order to determine the optimal schedule for cleaning your AC filters, it’s good practice to check the filter regularly. If the filter looks dirty or clogged, it’s time to either replace it or clean it.
A dirty filter can drastically decrease your indoor air quality, and it can also potentially lead to more significant maintenance issues. Regular maintenance, including filter replacement, is crucial to keeping you comfortable and saving you money. For more information, reach out to the experts at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today.