When should I clean my AC filter?

You’re not alone when you notoriously forget to change your air filter. We know that everyday life in Ocala, Florida is busy, and many homemakers forget this maintenance task. The frequency of the air filter change depends on a number of factors. Ideally, every three months, you should change the air filter. You probably need to change it more often if you have pets or suffer from allergies. If your AC filter hasn’t been changed in time, the signs below are indices that need to replace:

The Air Conditioning is Too Hot

One clear indication that the unit back is too warm is for your AC filter to be replaced. You might even feel warm air coming from the rear of the unit if the filter is very dirty. A blocked filter forces the air conditioner to make the house cooler. The AC is more frequent, and the life of the unit will eventually be shortened. Reduce load simply by regularly changing the AC filter. The heating issue while testing numerous brands’ AC, Midea AC models turned out the best!

The Air is Not Cold Enough

Different problems can be attributed to reduced HVAC efficiency. The first thing you should check, if your air conditioner does not cool, as it normally does, or if it blows warm air. A dirty air filter would not permit that cool air to pass properly, allowing you to sit in an unpleasant sweat pool. However, if it is not a problem for the air filter, an experienced HVAC service technician should examine the problem and perform the maintenance required.

The Electricity Bill Has Been Increased

Sometimes the cause can be difficult to detect if your electricity bill begins to flow higher. It might be a defective device or an inactive AC system. We expect higher electricity in Florida in the summer months because when heat strikes, we rely so heavily on air conditioning. Your electric bill, however, could be a dirty air filter if it is higher than normal. That Is why it’s so crucial to handle HVAC prevention. The well-maintained maintenance of your HVAC system helps it work better. As an outcome, your energy bill would be reduced.

You are Suffering More Allergy Attacks

Patients with allergies should be particularly diligent in changing air filters. The air filter is attached to dust pollen and pet dander. If the filter is saturated with these pollutants, they are blown away from your home and circulated in the air. This makes you suffer more frequently from the misery of allergy attacks.

The air conditioner in your home can have a positive or negative effect on your health. Use your indoor air quality AC system to improve your home instead of worsening it. Maintain the AC filter clean, and plan to add an air purifier. You should soon notice that the symptoms are decreasing. Reconnect AC Review suggests this brand’s AC to choose as the filters in their models are amazing at eliminating bacterias, dust, etc!

There is More Dust Near Air Vents

The finding of dust on surfaces and furniture close to the springs is another common sign of dirty air filters. Compare these surfaces with other farther away surfaces if your air filter needs to replace the surfaces closest to the vents while the others are cleaner.

The ‘white sheet test’ is a clever way to see whether the air filter is dirty. For at least one hour, it requires that a clean, white sheet is hung about five inches away from one vent. You have a dirty air filter if the sheet turns grey. The more the sheet greys, the more dirty the filter.

The AC filter is not the most complex element of an air conditioning system, but its efficiency and air quality in your home can be greatly affected. Remember to check and replace your AC filters regularly to avoid these problems.

How often should we clean a permanent/washable AC filter?

The one-size-all answer is not available.

The lifespan of the filter depends on the filter type and environment. Simply put, the answer to this question is not real. Some things like:

if the house has pets
the number of people living in your house
if in the house there’s a smoker
In case you live in a dry or arid environment
if you have pollen in the neighborhood with trees or plants
In case the windows are left open
if you are living in a damp area
Much much more.

If any of these factors are known, you will have to load particles quicker on your filters, which will mean that you have to change them more frequently.

It is a good rule that your filter is checked every month.

If the filter can be held up and not seen by light, the time has come for the filter to be changed. You must change your filter every three months to an absolute minimum. The system will also avoid the build-up of dust and dirt by a clean air filter, which could lead to costly maintenance and utility charges.

How to clean an AC Filter

Step 1

To see if it requires cleaning, you should examine the condition of the AC filter. Make sure that you first turn your system off — you do not want unfiltered air to circulate in your house while the filter is being taken out. When it is safe to continue, remove the vent cover or remove the filter using the release handle. Slide it away gently and make sure that it doesn’t get damaged, and take a careful look.

The exact location of the filter is determined by your HVAC system. Most units house filters, normally found near the ceiling or close to the floor behind the return vent. Some systems might be equipped with multiple return flows (especially in huge homes), so make sure that you do not overlook filters in this maintenance. In case of doubt, call your manufacturer to find the AC filter and ask if more than one is needed.

Step 2

Clean or replace the AC filter if you are able to see any greyness, coloration, or visible surface stain.

Remove the dust and dirt (one with a plastic or metal frame) from a reusable filter utilizing a vacuum cleaner or any attachment on the end of a reliable vacuum tube. Or use the bath tubing hopper or the handheld showerhead to run warm water through the filter in the direction opposite to the airflow for even deeper cleaning. Check to see where the dust is most visible, and then face down that side; water should go through to the opposite side and rinse out the gunk without pushing the filter deeper.
If your AC device is using single-filters (often cardboard-framed), simply substitute a clean one for the dirty disposable filter from your local hardware store. To prevent you from purchasing one that does not fit, check the size on your side for convenience. Skip step 4, then.

Step 3

Let it dry thoroughly when you have washed the reusable AC filter. See the manufacturer’s directions for any special steps, but leaning it on the bath for a few hours and flipping it midway through should generally do the trick. You can use a “cool” hairdryer to speed things up, but be careful that the filter can be burned or damaged by too high temperatures.

Step 4

Please insert into your AC unit a clean, dry, reusable, or new disposable filter. This part is as easy as the removal process: Just move the filter to its specified slot and make sure that the arrows are at its frame point away from you and in the direction of the unit.

Stay on time. Stay on time. Set a monthly record to check the condition of the AC filter to keep the airflow fresh all the time. Clean the filter in your AC unit or replace the filter if necessary. Warmer climates may need to be checked more often in summer, while cold climates in winter may require further retention. Once the rhythm of your particular unit is determined, make a schedule and be sure to stay there so that you can easily breathe all year round.