The outside of the air conditioner can be warm to the touch, or hot air can even come out the back. Increased wear and tear and overheating can cause major repairs and total air conditioner breakdowns. The bottom line is, if the air conditioner feels hot, check to see if the filter is dirty; replacing it should correct the problem. A general rule of thumb for pleated air filters (such as those made by FilterBuy) is to change them every 90 days.
As the filter traps more dirt, dust, and allergens from the air, its efficiency decreases. To determine if you should replace the filter more often, you should consider the most common signs that an air conditioner filter should be replaced. Here are five of the most common:
- The outside of your AC unit is warm or hot. If your AC unit feels hot when you touch it or hot air is coming out of it, it's likely time for a new filter.
- Your energy bills are higher than usual.
A clogged or dirty filter can cause your AC unit to work harder than usual which can lead to higher energy bills.
- Your AC unit isn't cooling as well as it used to. If your AC unit isn't cooling as well as it used to or isn't cooling at all, it could be due to a clogged or dirty filter.
- You're noticing more dust in your home. If you're noticing more dust in your home than usual or if your allergies seem worse than usual, it could be due to a clogged or dirty filter.
- It's been 90 days since you last changed your filter. As a general rule of thumb for pleated filters like those made by FilterBuy, you should change them every 90 days.
Dirt from the filter prevents air from flowing through the unit, leading to overheating and malfunction. In addition, children are more sensitive than adults to indoor air pollutants, such as mold, dust mites, dandruff and pollen. Therefore, it is important to use quality air filters and change them before they get too clogged and dirty. To replace an old 16x20x1 air filter with a new one, first remove the existing filter and measure it to confirm the actual dimensions.
Take three measurements: the depth of the return air duct, the height, and the width of the space where the air filter slides. Then buy a replacement that fits these dimensions. Finally, exchange the old one for the new one. When you change the air filter, you allow more air to flow through the system with lower energy consumption, which results in better circulation, cleaner air, and a lower electricity bill.
Replacing your old 16x20x1 air filter with a new one can help improve your AC unit's efficiency and help keep your home's indoor air clean.
