If you have a central AC at home and want to ensure efficient performance, then it is necessary to indulge in routine repair and maintenance work. One vital aspect of taking care of your central air conditioner system is regularly cleaning air filters. It is so because clogged and dusty filters lead to the build-up of dirt on evaporator coils. If this dust is left uncleaned, your AC can completely break down. So, in order to help you understand more about central air conditioners, we have prepared this guide. Have a look!
What are central air filters?
A central AC filter is made of spun fibreglass or pleated paper and enclosed in a rectangular cardboard frame. While the fibreglass filters are about one inch thick and used in older systems, the pleated filters are used in new AC models and are thicker.
The central air filters clean filth, pollen, dust, and pet dander from the air that flows inside your home. As the unclean air flows through the filters, they catch the contaminants and prevent them from circulating. By doing so, the filters also protect the conditioner coils and motor from these pollutants.
What is the right size of central air filters?
Getting the right-sized filters for your central air conditioning system is crucial. If you got a size that is too big or too small, the contaminants would bypass the filter, rendering it useless.
Air filters for your central AC come in several sizes. While most filters mention the size written in l x w x d format, you can always measure them yourself to know the correct size. However, if you do not have the filter, in that case, you can measure the slots or vents where the filters are located.
How much does central air filter costs?
The central air filter costs can vary depending upon their size and the type of filter you need for your AC. While the fibreglass filters usually cost less, the higher-rated filter can cost more. Some filters that are thicker can be more expensive. Air filters can be bought from home improvement stores and are available at retailer shops.
How often do you need to change your air filters?
The answer here depends on how often you need to use your air conditioner and what type of air filters you use. Generally, changing your cheaper fibreglass air filter every 30 days is recommended, while pleated filters should be replaced every 60 to 90 days. When you use your air conditioning system too much in the summers, you might want to change them more often.
For your ease, here we have created a list of some signs that will help you understand that you need to change your filter-
- Your vents have accumulated dirt
- When you turn on your AC, it sounds like your system is straining
- Your AC is not cooling efficiently
- Dust is getting collected near the vents on walls or ceilings
- Your AC is taking longer to cool the house.
So, these are some signs that you can take as signals to change your air filters.
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