Does the air in your home feel dusty, heavy, or stale? That could indicate a problem with your AC filter. Below, this AC maintenance company in Northbrook, Illinois is going to explain how this happens and what you can do about it.
Your AC is your first line of defense for cleaner air.
The filters inside your AC trap dust, pollen, and other particles floating around. But those filters only work if they are clean.
ENERGY STAR recommends checking your filter once a month, especially during summer when your AC is running more frequently. If the filter looks dirty, replace it. At the very least, replace it every three months.
What happens if you forget about your filter?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a clogged filter can make your AC use up to 15% more energy just to cool your house. This is because the buildup of dust and dirt blocks airflow. The unit strains to push cool air through, which means higher electricity bills and more wear and tear on your AC.
Reduced airflow from a clogged filter can also cause uneven temperatures in your home. As a result, some rooms stay warmer while others get too cold. Not to mention that dust and dirt can slip past the clogged filter and settle inside your AC. That buildup can damage parts of your unit and lead to expensive repairs.
Clogged filters are also bad for your health.
ECI Comfort explains that when filters are full of dust and dirt, they stop filtering out harmful pollutants and allergens. As a result, those particles keep floating through your home.
Breathing in these particles can trigger allergies, worsen asthma, and cause other breathing problems. For people with conditions like COPD or bronchitis, dirty air can make them feel much worse.
Not all filters are the same, so you need to choose wisely.
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), filters with a MERV rating between 7 and 13 are good for most homes because they can effectively trap allergens like pollen and pet dander. They are almost as effective as HEPA filters but don’t block airflow as much as HEPA filters sometimes do.
Basic fiberglass filters usually have a MERV rating between 1 and 4. These filters trap larger debris like lint and dust but miss smaller contaminants like pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. Pleated filters are made of cotton-poly or synthetic material. These usually have MERV ratings between 5 and 8, so they provide better filtration for smaller particles that can affect your air quality.
Higher-efficiency filters, with MERV ratings close to 13, can block even finer particles. But if your AC is not designed for these filters, they can restrict airflow too much. That reduces your AC’s performance and could even shorten its life.
The best way to make sure you have the right filter is to consult a professional AC maintenance company in Northbrook, Illinois. They will make sure that you have the right filter for your unit.
Maintenance goes beyond filter changes.
Even if the filter looks clean, your evaporator coil can collect dirt. When that happens, your AC struggles to cool your home. It uses more energy, and parts wear out faster. A professional AC maintenance company in Northbrook, Illinois will inspect and clean the coil when needed to keep your unit working properly and your home nice and cool.
The ducts, vents, and drip pan can also collect dust, dirt, and mold. Cleaning these parts helps your AC run efficiently and can help you avoid expensive repairs.
When coils, fans, and ducts are clean, it is also harder for pollutants to spread through your house. With less dust and fewer allergens floating around, your home feels fresh.
Looking for an AC Maintenance Company in Northbrook, Illinois?
If it has been a while since your AC was checked, now is the time to reach out to John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. As the top-rated AC maintenance company in Northbrook, Illinois, we will make sure your AC is running smoothly and your air is as clean and healthy as possible. Contact us today at 847-864-5225 to get in touch with our team.
