Keeping Filters Clean and Their Importance
By: Eric Lothe
As many of you have noticed by now, we are definitely in summer mode here in Texas. With that being said, your air conditioning unit is running more frequently and perhaps for some of you; all day. Well I’m going to shed some light on the topic of filters and how they can save you money and increase the life of your unit at the same time.
Let’s start off with the basics. You might be asking yourself “but Eric, where are my filters? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Don’t fret! Most filters are actually relatively easy to access. Some may require a ladder while others may not; it just depends on your house. Below is a picture of what some of the return air grilles that do not require a ladder will look like. If you are not comfortable or unsure about what size or type of filter to purchase contact Champion & Nash HVAC we will service your air filters and do a through AC unit checkup.
Most of your return air grilles will be located on the bottom part of your walls which makes it very convenient for homeowners to change the filters themselves. Now that we have located where our filters are, let’s talk about how changing your filters can save you money.
Much like changing the oil on your car so it last longer, your filters need to be changed every 3-4 months, although it does depend on how long your air conditioning unit has been running. By changing your filters, you are allowing your ac unit to breathe much easier and when your air conditioner is breathing easier it allows your house to be cooled much faster since it doesn’t have to work as hard, thus decreasing your air conditioning units time of operation; saving you money.
Changing your filters is not only good for the life of your ac unit, but it can increase your lifespan as well! Filters help clear the air of all the harmful particles in the air that you may not see such as dust. Below is a recent picture (8/23/2013) of an evaporator coil that saw very few filter changes. The result is cat hair and other particles that build up over time. Very nasty considering this is what you are breathing in everyday.
Let’s review some highlights.
The benefits of changing your filters:
- Helps solve air flow problems within your house
- Will improve the lifespan of your air conditioning unit
- Will improve the lifespan of you and your household
- Saves you money
- Helps save energy and the environment
