An air filter plays a major role in your home’s air and your overall air conditioning unit. A common piece of maintenance that needs to be kept up with regularly is replacing the filter whenever it’s necessary, but you might not have an idea of when you need to get a new one. Look out for the following signs you need to replace your home’s AC filter to ensure issues don’t occur.
Energy Bill Costs More
In the last few months, you might have noticed your energy bill costs more than usual. One common reason why this tends to be the case is that your air conditioning unit is working harder than usual. Replacing your air filter will help with a unit’s function and reduce the amount of energy it might be using with an older one.
Your Allergies Are Acting Up
Another sign you need to replace your home’s AC filter is if your allergies start to act up because part of its job is to trap allergens. There are many common signs of allergies to be conscious of like sneezing, coughing, and others that can happen if your air filter isn’t replaced.
Notice Dust in Vents
When you don’t replace an air filter, you may also notice an accumulation of dust in your home. This will typically occur in your air vents, but it can also happen elsewhere in your home. Dust is not only harmful to breathe in, but it can exacerbate your allergies as well.
Weak Airflow
Besides improving the air quality in your home, an air conditioning unit is also important because it makes your home comfortable. If you feel your airflow isn’t as effective as it used to be, then you should check your home’s air filter and replace it properly.
Sunlight Doesn’t Pass Through the Filter
The easiest way to check if your AC filter needs to be replaced is by looking at the filter itself. An AC filter will typically last a month to 90 days and, if you see that sunlight doesn’t pass through the filter when you hold it up, then it’s time to either get a new one or wash it.
