How to Clean Your AC Filters This Spring Before the Summer Heat Hits
A dirty AC filter can reduce cooling efficiency and cause the unit to work harder, potentially leading to higher energy bills. Regular inspection and replacement of the filter every three months, or more often depending on conditions, helps maintain optimal performance. Checking the filter by holding it up to the light is a simple way to determine if it needs replacing.
- ▪A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and reduce an AC unit's cooling capacity.
- ▪Experts recommend checking AC filters monthly and replacing them every three months on average.
- ▪The MERV rating on filters indicates their efficiency, with ratings between 6 and 8 offering a good balance of filtration and airflow.
- ▪Proper filter installation requires turning off power and aligning the filter’s arrow with the airflow direction.
- ▪Filter replacement frequency may vary based on household factors like pets, allergies, and local air quality.
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If you've been keeping your air conditioner in storage like I have, planning to reinstall it for the summer, you might be concerned about how well the window unit has survived the colder months. This year, when I turned it on, I was worried when, instead of a cool breeze, my AC unit started blowing tepid air. I was braced for the worst and did the math on how much a new one would cost, but it wound up being a simple fix. I just needed a new air filter and that's something you can make part of your regular spring cleaning routine. Once I pulled out the filter and saw the mess, it made sense. A dirty filter slows everything down and forces the unit to work harder, sometimes to the point where it stops cooling altogether.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at CNET.
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