A heart-shaped box filled with chocolate treats, a blooming bouquet of flowers and a passionately worded card expressing your love are all great to give your significant other this month for Valentine’s Day. You know what gift can be even better and keeps giving all year round? Fresh air circulating through your home, free of dust, dander, pollen, dirt and other debris.
Ok, it’s not very romantic, but…
It’s essential to keep your air clean and your A/C system running effectively and efficiently – especially in Florida. That’s why changing your A/C filter is so important.
Just last month we recommended keeping your A/C filter fresh as a New Year’s resolution. If you recall, we said, “Checking and replacing the air filter is something that every homeowner should do to maintain efficiency and keep their system running smoothly.”
We really meant it.
The air filter’s job is to keep dust and debris out of your home and your HVAC equipment. You’d be amazed how much builds up on there in a very short time. A clogged air filter can eventually cause extensive damage to your system. So, by checking and changing your air filter regularly, you ensure the longevity of your HVAC — saving yourself thousands in possible repair and replacement costs.
Can you change it on your own?
In most cases, yes! The air filter is usually located to the right or bottom of the air handler unit and should easily pull out of the slot. The size for your system is typically marked on the filter, and replacement filters are available at home improvement stores. Although not common, some filters are found in air vents instead. If that is the case, you might need to contact a friendly Badger Bob’s HVAC professional for assistance.
Ok, so when do I change it?
According to ENERGY STAR, you should check and change your HVAC filter every month during peak A/C season. Here in Florida, that’s May through September. During those cooler months, you can cut it back to every 60 days. Some filters last longer than others, so be sure to take a look at the packaging. All filters have a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. The higher the MERV number, the better quality the filter is, meaning it can hold contaminates better and last longer.
Keep in mind, while they last longer, filters with a higher MERV rating can slow down the airflow in your A/C unit. We recommend a balance between good quality and good airflow, which is typically a filter that has a MERV rating of 6 to 8. If you have a high efficiency AC, you may get away with a higher rating. Check the owner’s manual to be sure.
The Badger Bottom Line
Flowers and chocolates are great and all, but EVERYONE loves clean air. Regularly checking and changing the air filter in your A/C system ensures cleaner, fresher, healthier air. This is better for your HVAC and everyone in your home, particularly children and the elderly, and most especially for those suffering from allergies and/or asthma. If you have any questions regarding the replacement or condition of your home’s A/C air filter, give us a call at 941.225.2775 or schedule an appointment today!