4 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your AC Air Filter
Your HVAC system’s air filter plays a crucial role in keeping your home’s air cool, comfortable, and clean. It traps dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander before they can circulate through your system — but over time, that debris will build up and clog the filter. When that happens, your AC has to work significantly harder to cool your home, which can result in higher energy bills and reduced air flow. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to change yours, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Below, LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating shares four telltale signs it’s time to replace your air filter.
LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating is an HVAC company offering AC repair and maintenance services in Gainesville, FL. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
The Air Filter Looks Dirty
One of the simplest and most effective ways to determine if your filter needs replacement is to visually inspect it. If your air filter is covered in dust, completely gray, or you can’t see through the filter material anymore, then it’s definitely time for a new one. Most filters should be changed every 1–3 months, depending on factors such as your system, the number of pets in your home, and any allergies you may have. Setting a monthly reminder to inspect your air filter is an excellent way to ensure it gets changed as soon as it starts looking too dirty.
Your Energy Bill Is Rising
If your electricity bill has been rising lately without any clear indication as to why, the culprit may just be a clogged air filter. When an air conditioner system’s filter is clogged, it’s far less energy efficient because it has to work much harder to circulate cool, clean air throughout your home. Replacing the filter regularly can help your system run more efficiently and reduce your energy usage.
There’s Dust & Dirt Around Vents
Are you noticing dust and dirt collecting around your vents? This could indicate that your filter is clogged and needs to be replaced. When a filter becomes clogged, it won’t effectively trap airborne particles, and dust recirculates throughout your home. This not only makes your space feel dirtier but can also aggravate your allergies and negatively impact your indoor air quality. Regularly swapping out your air filter can help improve your indoor air quality and keep your space clean.
Your AC Isn’t Cooling Effectively
If your air conditioner has been running for hours, but your home still feels warm or stuffy, a dirty air filter could be restricting airflow. Without adequate circulation, cool air can’t flow through your home and system the way it should, making your AC work harder with worse results. Additionally, you may notice uneven cooling or hot spots in certain rooms when your filter is clogged. Changing the air filter regularly is one of the easiest ways to ensure your HVAC system continues to function smoothly.
Schedule Planned HVAC Maintenance With LIBERTYAIR!
LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating’s planned maintenance program is designed to help you stay ahead of HVAC issues and keep your system in tip-top shape. During a planned maintenance visit, our HVAC technicians will replace your air filters, clean essential components, check refrigerant levels, and address any issues before they can damage your system. Ready for cleaner, cooler air? Contact us today to schedule AC repair or learn more about our routine HVAC maintenance program!