ARTICLES

CLEAN AIR CONDITIONING FILTERS LET YOU CHILL OUT IN HOT SUMMER MONTHS

MAY 28, 2015

CLEAN AIR CONDITIONING FILTERS LET YOU CHILL OUT IN HOT SUMMER MONTHS

Air conditioner filters play a crucial role in keeping your home cool and the air clean. It’s a relatively inexpensive component that has a big impact, yet keeping the filter fresh is something too many people tend to overlook.

DIRTY FILTERS COST YOU MONEY

When air conditioner filters start to get clogged up with dirt, hair and other things, the flow of air through your system becomes restricted, meaning it has to work harder to keep the home cool.

More grime getting caught up in your filter also means the air being distributed throughout your home is going to be dirtier. This could lead to unnecessary discomfort, especially if you’re sensitive to dusty air and other allergens.

The best way to keep your unit running at prime efficiency is to change the filter periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, or even more often during times of heavy use. This will not only have you breathing cleaner, cooler air, but you’ll also save some money on your energy costs and extend the life of your air conditioner.

DIRTY FILTERS DON’T KEEP YOU COOL

Having a high-performing, efficient and modern air conditioning unit makes the hot summer months much easier to deal with. However, keeping air conditioner filters dirty will diminish the performance of even the best units.

Make sure to change air conditioning filters when needed to ensure you are always getting optimal performance.

WHAT TYPES OF AIR CONDITIONER FILTERS ARE BEST?

If you’ll be replacing the air filter yourself, the first thing to know is what size to purchase. The size should be printed on the old filter. Just write the down the specs or snap a photo with your phone. There are lots of sizes of air conditioner filters out there, so you’ll want to get it right the first time and avoid an extra trip to the store.

Basic Air Conditioning Filters: Standard air conditioner filters are disposable and will filter out the largest particles. While they are inexpensive, you’ll find they need to be replaced more often and will not effectively filter out finer particles that contribute to in-home allergens.

Pleated Air Conditioner Filters: Pleated filters are higher quality and do a much better job of maximizing efficiency and keeping finer particles out of the air. While they cost a bit more, these filters will last longer and go further toward extending the life of your unit.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU CHANGE FILTERS?

If you choose one of the basic air conditioner filters, expect it to last about a month. A pleated filter lasts much longer, a few months at least. While the manufacturer making the filter will likely offer recommendations about how long they will last, you may actually need to change it more often.

Here in the desert Southwest, filters tend to get dirty much faster than in other parts of the country. Our dry climate creates more dust and particles in the air. Inspecting the filter periodically is really the best way to know when it’s time for a change. If it’s quite dirty, throw a new one in.

If you need help determining what type of filter you need, call Donley Service Center. One of our qualified technicians can perform the maintenance necessary to keep your unit running well. Contact us today and we’ll get your unit running at its peak 602-870-6840.