Is Your Air Conditioner Filter Bad? Here's How to Know for Sure

It's important to check your air conditioner filter regularly to ensure it's in good condition. Learn how to tell if your AC filter needs replacing and why regular cleaning is important.

Is Your Air Conditioner Filter Bad? Here's How to Know for Sure

It's essential to inspect your air conditioner filter regularly to make sure it's in good condition. The most obvious sign that you need a new filter is if the one you have is gray and grimy. Be sure to take out the air filter and examine it at least every two months. If it looks dusty or filthy, it's time for a replacement.

One of the primary symptoms of an air conditioning filter clogging is a decrease in the amount of air coming out of the ventilation grilles. If airflow is significantly reduced, it may mean that the air filter is full of dirt and is obstructing adequate air flow to the house. If you put a wet filter back into the air conditioner, ice will form and other problems will occur, and if you try to dry it with a cloth, you are likely to damage its delicate surface. Regular cleaning will keep the air conditioner functioning properly, and you can choose to change the filter every 15 days.

A good air filter helps prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on all the internal components of the unit; a bad one will cause additional wear and tear that can lead to serious maintenance issues in the future. When the air conditioning filter is dirty, you will easily notice the many symptoms it presents in the house. When the air conditioning system is not working properly, the air it distributes throughout the house is drier than usual. In addition, the air conditioning system will also work more efficiently with a new filter, since it can bring filtered air to the house instead of unfiltered air that passes through it. Therefore, after using the air filter for a few months, you should be sure to inspect it to determine if it needs to be changed or cleaned, depending on the type. Some air filters also contain an adsorbent, which allows them to remove bad odors and various other gaseous pollutants.

Dirty filters also encourage the growth of bacteria, which can negatively affect indoor air quality. It would be easier to change all air filters on a set schedule, but sadly, there are a lot of variables that influence how often a filter should be changed. Try to clean the reusable filter at a time when the air conditioner doesn't need to be on anyway, for example, on a cool night. Not only can a dirty air filter make you sick, but clean air has been shown to improve physical and mental health. It is usually necessary to replace your home air filter once every one to six months, with an average of every three months.

Gladys Gildner
Gladys Gildner

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