When it comes to the performance of our air conditioners and the energy-efficiency levels in our homes, air filters play a considerable role. Our homes are flooded continuously with pets, people, furniture, and many other things making dust and air contaminants a given.

To keep your air fresh and clean (and healthy), you must have proper air conditioning filters installed. Part of owning an air conditioning system is periodically changing these filters to keep a clean and well-functioning air conditioning unit and a comfortable home. How often should AC filters be changed? Here’sHere’s a look at what the experts have to say.

Most air conditioning units will come with a manufacturer’s recommendation for how often you should change your filters. Generally, following these recommendations based on years of experience and research is best. However, other factors can influence how often you should change your filters, such as the type of filter you have, the size of your unit, and the environment in which you live.

The type of filter you have will affect how often it needs to be changed. For example, disposable pleated paper filters should be changed every 1-3 months, depending on how often your air conditioner is used. These filters are very effective at trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, but they can also restrict airflow if they become too clogged.

Knowing this information lets you make a well-informed decision on how often you should change your filters.

If you have a pet, your AC filter should be replaced every 60 days. If you or one of your family members has allergies, you should plan to change filters every month. All in all, it typically depends on your living situation.

Filters can be changed every few weeks if you have multiple pets and numerous people with allergies inside the home. By staying ahead of the game and ensuring your indoor air remains fresh and clean, you can reap incredible benefits for your family and your AC unit.

But are expensive AC filters worth the money? The answer to this question largely depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

In general, however, AC filters are not cheap, and they can range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. However, an expensive AC filter may be worth the investment if you have a severe allergy or asthma problem.

Additionally, if you live in an area with a lot of dust or other airborne particles, an AC filter can help keep your home’s air quality high.

Ultimately, deciding whether to purchase an AC filter is up to you and should be based on your specific needs and circumstances.

We’llWe’ll dive into the benefits of filters, the different types available, and if price makes a difference in performance and overall value.

Benefits

Many people might not think about it often, but AC filters do wonders for the comfort of our homes. In addition, clean air filters mean less wear and tear on your ac unit, which means a longer system lifespan and fewer repairs in the future.

Common air particles in most homes include dust allergens, mold spores, and pollen. As these contaminants get swirled around our homes, they can get caught up in our respiratory systems, which might cause health problems.

AC air filters work hard every day to limit the damage of these air particles. But over time, these contaminants will infiltrate your system, which might cause a clog or backup. Here are the benefits of keeping up to date with changing your filters:

Greater indoor comfort
Better indoor air quality
Less chance of respiratory problems
Less wear and tear on your unit
Greater energy-efficiency
Longer lifespan of your unit

If you want comfortable temperatures and a well-functioning system for many years, changing your AC filters is a must. Unfortunately, many forget this vital maintenance task, leading to high energy bills and low-performance levels.

Does Price Matter?

Many models and types are out there because of the importance of regularly changing AC filters inside our homes. But does price matter when it comes to filters?

When deciding on the best and most cost-effective AC filter for your needs, you must first understand the different filters.

These filters come in all shapes and sizes; some have different capabilities. Take a look at the different types of filters below:

Fiberglass Filters

This is the most common and cheapest type of filter on the market. These filters usually trap less than 20 percent of air contaminants and are about 1 to 2 inches thick. These inexpensive filters will still collect many dust particles and allergens, but these will have to be changed more frequently than other filters.

Pleated Filters

These reliable filters are a step up from fiberglass models and offer higher efficiency ratings. In addition, pleated filters have a higher airflow resistance and easily trap dust. These filters will cost you more but will last longer than fiberglass options. Plus, pleated filters will catch about 50 percent of air contaminants.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)

These filers are some of the best AC filters in the industry, thanks to their high-efficiency levels and incredible construction. These filters can remove up to 100 percent of air particles that are 0.3 micrometers or larger in diameter.

Although HEPA filters are the most expensive filters you can buy, they will last twice as long as standard filters, in addition to their increased performance.

Higher Quality Means a Happier Family

When deciding if expensive AC filters are worth it, first think about what matters most to you. Do you care about energy efficiency? How about the indoor air quality of your home? We believe buying more expensive AC filters is the way to go.

Not only will you spend less time replacing your filters, but you’ll also experience higher efficiency levels and a more comfortable indoor environment.

Although it may be a lot cheaper to go with a fiberglass option, doing so won’t give you the type of air quality your family deserves. Furthermore, continually buying cheap air filters will shorten the lifespan of your system.

You get what you pay for with air conditioning filters, so spending a little more initially will save you from costly repairs in the future.

Air contaminants can harm your and your family’s health, so it’s best to stay protected as best you can.

Improve Your Air Quality Today!

Still not sure what AC filter is right for you? When shopping around for air filters, it may be challenging to choose. But, here at East Coast Mechanical, we have air quality professionals with the skills and experience you need to solve all of your air quality issues.

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ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here.