When it comes to your AC not working as well as it should it might be something as simple as changing your air filter. Not many people realize the importance that an air conditioner filter has on the unit’s performance and longevity. An HVAC filter does exactly what its name implies: it filters the air. Not only that, it filters out dust, dog and cat hair, dander, dust mites, and even mold spores.

If you think your air filter is really not all that important, think again. If an AC air filter is left unchanged it can ruin your unit and even burn up the motor because the unit has to work that much harder. In turn, the unit will cycle more, use more energy, and your house will not be as comfortable as it needs to be. A dirty air conditioner filter can even add to higher levels of humidity in your home which can lead to mold and mildew.

When it comes to routine maintenance on your AC, Phil Montgomery with Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning will be the first to tell you that replacing the filter is one of the best things you can do. Depending on your climate, living conditions, and air conditioning demand, you should change your filter every three months. Some may need to change it more often, especially if you live in a dusty or dry climate, a geographical area with lots of seasonal pollen, have numerous pets, have carpeting throughout the home, or fabric furniture versus leather.

Fabric tends to collect dust mites, pollen spores, pet hair, and other pollutants. Each time someone sits on the fabric-covered furniture, or walks on the carpet, dust particles are suspended into the air and into the return registers that go directly through the ductwork and into the filter where the air is cleaned and released back into the home. If the filter is clogged, it simply won’t work. A good AC repair contractor like Phil Montgomery will be happy to explain how the entire process works. When it comes to Atlanta heating and cooling, Phil has over forty years’ of experience in the industry.

All air filters are not created equal, so how do you know which is best for your unit? You can always start by asking your Atlanta HVAC contractor. You can also check the packaging for a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating number; the higher the number, the better the filter. Ratings range from 1-16 for residential and medical uses and some can range from 17-20 for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Next time you change your air filter, check it to ensure it’s catching the dust and that it’s actually dirty. If it does not show a collection of dust after three or four months of constant use, you need to contact your AC repair service as this signifies a much larger problem. You will also want to measure the area and make sure you are using the proper size filter. When in doubt, give Phil a call and he can guide you in the right direction.