The filter is an essential part of your home’s air conditioner. It plays a vital role in improving the air quality of your home and in keeping it comfortable and healthy. However, it won’t be able to achieve this if it isn’t cleaned regularly and taken care of properly. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t know much about their HVAC system, from understanding the importance of their filter to how to take the best possible care of it. The good news is that there are plenty of resources that can teach you everything you need to know about your HVAC. If you’re in need of advice, keep reading to find out more about the benefits of regularly cleaning your AC filter.
What are the benefits of regularly cleaning your AC filter?
Your home’s AC filter traps dirt, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from passing through the system. When these particles build up on the filter it can reduce airflow in the system which makes it harder for the unit to cool effectively. Over time this can also lead to higher energy bills as more strain is put on your AC unit when it has to work harder due to restricted airflow. Additionally, if too much dirt builds up on the filter then it could cause a malfunction or failure that can be costly to fix, which is why every homeowner needs to know how to clean an AC filter.
One of the most useful benefits of regularly cleaning an AC filter is improved energy efficiency as dirty filters reduce airflow which causes the system to work harder than required leading to increased electricity bills. Cleaning your filter will help maintain optimal performance so that it continues to provide cool air without having to use more energy than necessary. Since the cleaning process requires minimal effort, you won’t have any need for expensive repairs or replacements. In some cases, cleaning your filter may not be enough.
Knowing when to replace your filter is just as critical as knowing when to clean it. Most experts recommend replacing your filter at least once every 90 days. There are also some other signs your filter needs to be changed, including a spike in your energy bills, an increase in allergy symptoms, the sight of dust near the air vents, or if you forgot to schedule annual maintenance.
How else can you improve your home’s indoor air quality?
Now that you know more about the benefits of cleaning your AC filter, let’s talk about some of the other ways that you can improve your home’s indoor air quality. For example, you should invest in an air purifier for your home. An air purifier can improve your home’s indoor air quality by removing airborne allergens, dust, smoke, and other pollutants from your home’s indoor air. By taking steps to improve your home’s indoor air quality, you can reduce significantly reduce your risk of developing asthma, allergies, and other respiratory illnesses.
Avoiding the use of products that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) should be a priority as well. VOCs are a type of gas that is released from certain materials. Some common sources of VOCs include paints, lacquers, solvents, waxes, cleaning supplies, and adhesives. VOCs can cause a variety of health problems, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. They can also cause damage to the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys, which is why they should be avoided if at all possible.
Overall, regularly cleaning your AC filter is an essential part of maintaining your air conditioning system. Not only does it keep the air clean and free of debris, but it keeps your system running efficiently, saving you money in the long run. Though your HVAC system is your first line of defense against poor indoor air quality, there is also much more you can do to protect your home. You should purchase an indoor air purifier, clean more often, and avoid using products that contain harmful chemicals like VOCs. Follow the advice in this article and you’ll be able to breathe easier whenever you’re at home.