We are eagerly anticipating the warm, sunny days of summer around here, especially after such a chilly spring season. If you are hoping to enjoy the heat of summer to the fullest, then you must be sure to keep your air conditioning system in great working condition so that you have a comfortable home to return to at the end of the day. Scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance in Woodstock, VT is the best way in which to ensure that this is the case. You must remember, though, that you cannot leave your air filter replacement solely to your AC technician. You must change the filter regularly, between sessions, in order to get the most from your AC.
Benefits of Changing Your HVAC Filter After a New Installation
- Keeps your heating and cooling system running efficiently
- Lowers energy costs by reducing strain on the unit
- Improves indoor air quality by trapping dust and allergens
- Extends the lifespan of your HVAC equipment
- Prevents issues like reduced airflow or frozen coils
- Ensures your new installation delivers consistent comfort
- Helps maintain warranty coverage through proper care
Once or Twice a Year Just Is Not Enough
While it is true that your air conditioning maintenance technician will replace your AC air filter for you during routine maintenance, this yearly service is not going to cut it in terms of filter replacements. There are a lot of factors, including the efficiency and quality of your filter, as well as the presence of pets and your cooling habits, which will influence the frequency with which you must change your air filter. That being said, 2-3 months is pretty typical of most systems, with some cheaper filters falling closing to monthly replacement needs. The best thing to do is pull out your filter regularly and to assess its condition.
If your air filter is allowed to clog up, your air conditioner will have to exert itself more than it should have to in order to force air through that filter. This will cause your cooling costs to rise, essentially leaving you to pay more for a lesser performance from your AC. Plus, reduced airflow can lead to serious problems such as the icing over the evaporator coil responsible for absorbing heat from the air passing over it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why must I change my AC filter regularly?
Answer: Changing your AC filter regularly ensures your system runs efficiently and doesn’t work harder than necessary. A clogged filter forces your air conditioner to use more energy, raises cooling costs, and may lead to airflow issues and damage like frozen evaporator coils. Regular filter changes help maintain performance and indoor comfort.
Question: How often should I replace my AC filter?
Answer: While every system and home is different, most filters need changing about every 2–3 months. Cheaper filters may require monthly replacements, especially with pets or heavy use. Checking the filter regularly lets you assess when to swap it out.
Question: What happens if I don’t change my AC filter often enough?
Answer: If a filter gets too dirty, restricted airflow makes your system strain to push air, increasing power use and reducing cooling performance. Over time this can cause mechanical issues and higher energy bills.
Question: Does my home environment affect how often I should change the filter?
Answer: Yes. Homes with pets, allergies, smokers, or lots of dust may clog filters faster, meaning you’ll need to replace them more often than the typical 2–3 month guideline.
Question: Should I rely only on professional maintenance for filter changes?
Answer: No. Even though technicians replace the filter during routine service, that yearly visit isn’t enough. You should change filters between professional check‑ups to get the best cooling efficiency and system health.
Contact HB Energy Solutions with any concerns that you may have.
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