How often should I change my AC filter?

Depending on how often your cooling system runs, it is recommended that you replace your air conditioner filters every one to three months.

When to Replace Your Home’s Filters

One to three months can seem like a vague time frame. If your filters are clearly dirty, it’s time for a replacement, but there are some environmental factors that can contribute to the filters getting clogged more frequently.

Consider replacing your AC filter’s more frequently if your home has:

  • Pets—especially those that shed since pet dander can add up quickly
  • Many family members—the more people living, the faster the filters will clog up
  • Any smokers—the filters will be working to filter out tobacco particles from the air
  • High levels of air pollution or construction outside your home
  • Poor indoor air quality—of if anyone in your family suffers from severe asthma or allergies

For example, an “average” home in Ohio could expect to replace their home’s AC filters every 90 days. If that family were to have a dog or a cat, replacement might be necessary every 60 days. With more pets or family members with allergies, that estimate drops to 30 days. If it has been a steamy summer in the Cincinnati area, we’d recommend residents change their filters more frequently—that’s because AC systems have likely been running overtime and more frequently than a typical three month span.

Benefits of Replacing AC Filter

There are many benefits to changing your air conditioner filters, including:

  • Improved system performance – When you change the filters in your cooling system regularly, it makes it easier for the air conditioner to do its job because clogged and dirty filters inhibit airflow. When your filters are clogged, your system has to work overtime to send conditioned air through your home to reach the desired temperature.
  • Better energy efficiency – As mentioned before, changing AC filters makes regulating the temperature in your home much easier, which means your AC doesn’t have to work as hard. This results in lower monthly utility bills and lead to saving hundreds over the lifespan of your AC system.
  • Reduced risk of breakdowns – Clogged and dirty air filters inhibit the airflow in your home, but this can actually also cause serious damage to your cooling systems. Your air conditioner, in particular, runs the risk of freezing over if you’re not changing furnace filters regularly. Mid-summer repairs, and even replacement, can be costly so remember to change air filters regularly to prevent this!

Setting up a routine to replace your AC filters is crucial in ensuring your HVAC systems can operate in top-notch condition. If you have questions about changing your air filters, contact Rick’s Heating & Cooling today! In addition to advising you on changing AC filters, we can provide a complete HVAC Precision Tune-Up to keep your systems well maintained from one season to the next.