Filters are an integral part of an air conditioner. The main function of the air filter is to keep the components of the machine like the blower and the evaporator coil clean. It is the filter that helps you get clean air in the room when you switch on the air conditioner. On the other dirty air filters can decrease the cooling effect of the machine, create failure of the compressor, decreases the life span of the machine and the electricity consumption of the blower increases. Hence, it is important to change the filter of your air conditioner at regular intervals. In fact, just by changing the air filter you can expect the machine to function far better. At the same time, a clean filter throws out clean air and reduces allergens from the air.
In case you have an air conditioner running in your home, it is a good practice to change the air filters every month or every two months. On the contrary, if the air conditioner is in a business setup, changing the filter every couple of weeks is a good idea. However, this time period to a large extent depends on the usage. More the use, the higher the frequency of changing the filter. One rule of the thumb that needs to be kept in mind here is that one should not wait till the last moment when the filter gets completely covered with dust. There is no denying the fact that changing the air filters of the air conditioners is not a big task, but the challenge is to know the right time of changing it and then remembering to change it.
There are certain things that can be considered before you change the air filters. They are the following:
• The type of filter that is needed by your air conditioner system
• The air quality in the surrounding region of your home. This means whether the area around your home is highly polluted or the level of pollution is acceptable
• In case you have a pet at home, the frequency of changing air filters should be higher
• The number of members in your home is also an important factor
Besides, these factors you will certainly get some instructions from your manufacturer. For instance, if you have a 1’’ by 3” filter, the manufacturer suggests that you change it once in every two months. However, one must be aware of the fact that general rules may not be applicable for all. For instance, if you want your air filter to cut off more levels of allergens, it is mandatory that the filters are changed more frequently than the specifications provided by the manufacturer. On the contrary, if you live in an area which is far from the madding crowd and has very few vehicles you can even change the air filters once in a year.
Last but not the least, choosing the right kind of air filter and then taking good care of the air filters can give you an air conditioner that functions seamlessly.