The air filter in your home’s cooling system is an important part of keeping your home cool, clean and lessoning the impact of allergens in the home. But how often should you change the air filter?
Whether you have refrigerated air or a swamp cooler, a dirty air filter restricts the flow of air coming into your home. That confines the cooler air inside the air conditioner or ductwork; not only does that make your home warmer than it could be, it means your cooling system is using more energy to try to push the cooler air into the rooms.
You should replace the air filter regularly to improve the indoor air quality in the home. If you can look into the grate and see any dirt on the filter, it definitely needs to be changed. If you live alone and have no pets in the home, it may be enough to just change the air filter each spring and fall as you change over to or from heating. However, in our dry and dusty climate, that may not be enough, especially if you like to leave a door or window open occasionally.
If you have a family but no pets in the home, it’s recommended to change the filter every 90 days. If you do have pets, the air filter should be changed every 60 days. And if anyone in the home is especially sensitive to allergens, it may be best to replace the air filter every month. Allergy-prone individuals may also benefit from a whole house air purification system that Affordable Service can install. It may also help reduce allergy symptoms if we perform a duct-cleaning service, particularly before the start of heating or cooling season.
Regular replacement of your HVAC system or swamp cooler’s air filters will keep your cooling equipment working better for longer and help reduce your energy cost, as well as keeping your home cleaner and reducing allergens. If we can help with a new A/C installation of a refrigerated air system or evaporative cooler in your Rio Rancho or Albuquerque-area home, give us a call at Affordable Service Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical.
