One of the most important things you can do to keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly and efficiently is to keep up with the proper maintenance of your HVAC ducts and air filters. There may be a few things that are causing your air filter to become dirty faster than expected, including how you are running and maintaining your HVAC system.
Filter Maintenance
Most HVAC systems suggest the filter should be changed from once a month to every two or three months in order to keep your system running efficiently. This will depend on a number of factors, such as how often you use your system and how many contaminants you have in the home.
EasyBreezy AC professionals recommend you mark your air filter changes on a calendar in order to keep up with a regular maintenance schedule and ensure you don’t miss any needed changes.
Filter Quality
There are many options available when choosing which type of air filter to use. Low quality filters tend to be less expensive, so they can be tempting to buy. However, if you are not choosing one of a good quality, it is not likely to last as long before needing to be changed.
Air filter quality is measured by a MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) – the higher the MERV ranking is, the more efficient it is likely to be. While low-price filters may be less-expensive, it is important to remember that they will likely last a shorter amount of time before needing to be changed, adding up in cost in the long-run and affecitng your air quality.
In most homes, air filters with a low MERV rating should be changed about every 30 days, so they are only a good option if you intend to keep up with the maintenance schedule.
Leaking Air Ducts
Another issue that could be affecting how quickly your air filters are becoming dirty is when your system has leaking air ducts. Leaking air ducts cause dust and other airborne contaminants to be pulled into your unit from areas that are used less and are often dirtier than the rest of your home, such as the attic. Not only does this mean your system’s air filters will become clogged and dirty more quickly, but it also means your system as a whole will run less efficiently and use up more energy.
If you suspect you have leaking air ducts or want to confirm they are intact and functioning efficiently, contact our EasyBreezy AC Air Duct Specialist to help.
Fan Setting
Your system’s thermostat will provide you with two different fan settings to choose from – “on” and “auto.” When you choose to set your system’s fan to the “on” setting, it will run continuously until you turn it off. When you set it to the “auto” setting, the fan will turn on and off automatically as it cycles through each heating or cooling cycle. By setting your thermostat to “auto,” your system will be able to run and process through the airborne contaminants coming into your unit more efficiently.
If you have any questions or need to schedule a regular maintenance check, contact our specialists today!
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As an air conditioning technician, I am responsible for the maintenance and repair of HVAC systems. I work with various tools and equipment to troubleshoot and repair issues with AC units. My work can sometimes be challenging, but it is gratifying to help keep people comfortable in their homes and businesses!
