During the summer, air filters can clog faster than usual and cause issues for your AC system.
If you notice these signs, it’s probably time to change your air filter:
- AC running longer than usual
- Electricity bill has increased
- Increased dust around your home
If your air filter looks dirty, change it. If the filter isn’t dirty, you may have an issue that a technician needs to help with.
Sign #1: AC running longer than usual
Your AC cools your home by drawing in warm air from your home through the air filter but, if your air filter is clogged, your AC won’t be able to suck in as much air as it needs to. Ultimately, this means your AC will be blowing less cooled air into your home meaning it will have to run longer to meet the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat.
Sign #2: Electricity bill has increased
If your electricity bill has suddenly spiked (and the outside temperature hasn’t changed drastically), it could be a dirty air filter.
Your AC can’t work efficiently when your air filter is dirty, which means your AC is going to have to work longer and harder to cool your home, increasing your energy bills.
There could be a part of your AC system that is broken or malfunctioning, which will not only increase your bills but could cause long-term damage to your system.
Sign #3: More dust around your home
If you start to notice a build-up of dust around your home, it could be the sign of a dirty air filter.
Your air filter catches dust and debris before they enter your AC system. This keeps your AC system’s internal parts from becoming covered in dust and it also helps keep the air circulating around your home clean.
But, when your air filter is clogged, it’s not as effective, and that could be why you are seeing more dust settling on surfaces in your home.
How do I change my air filter?
- Step 1: Locate your air filter. Your air filter will be behind a grate.
- Step 2: Open the grate and take a look at your filter. If your filter is dirty, wait until your AC cycles off and then replace it with a clean filter of the same size.
- Step 3: Close the filter grate. Once your new filter is inserted correctly, close the grate, and ensure there is nothing blocking it.
Air filter not the issue? Call the Expert Air
If you replaced your air filter and your AC is still having issues, it’s time to call a professional. If you are experiencing the issues listed above and your filter is not the issue, there could be an issue with an AC part, which could result in long-term damage if it isn’t fixed.
