Filter Power

If your A/C system is working as designed, it probably does its job without much attention. Sometimes you may even not notice whether the unit is actually running. Which is largely how things should be when it comes to cooling and heating.

To keep things operating as smoothly as they did the day your unit was installed, it’s important to maintain a clean filtering system. After all, the only way that your A/C unit can cool down your home is to draw in air from the outside, cool it through the condenser coils and then blow the chilly mixture through your ductwork. Anything getting in the way of that process – dirt, allergens or debris – needs to be taken out of the equation by a good filter.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing an air conditioner filter:

Healthy Habits: If people in your household smoke or suffer from allergies, then you should consider more frequent filter changeovers as well as specialty filters that can trap odors and pollen instead of continually allowing either to recirculate within your home.

Dirt Ain’t Cheap: A clogged or dirty filter makes your air conditioning unit work harder, which results in higher energy bills. And it isn’t all about the money: Clean filters allow the A/C system to cool your living quarters more quickly, cutting down running time. Which can also save on repairs over the long haul.

Be Selective: As you may have noticed on a recent trip to the hardware store, air conditioner filters come in many sizes, shapes – and degrees of quality. Most have a numerical rating guide on the packaging which typically ranges from 1 to 12. The higher the number, the greater the filter’s cleansing power. However, going for the highest number may not always provide the best results. Top-quality filters, by their nature, also require more power to draw air, which will result in higher energy costs. Unless there’s a special need of some kind, a medium-rated filter should probably serve you well.

As for how often to change the filter, consult the owner’s manual that came with your A/C unit. A quick visual inspection should also show you whether the filter needs changing,