How do I know when to change my air filter in my house?

5 Signs That You Need to Change Your AC Filter
  1. The Air Conditioning Unit is Too Hot. One clear sign that your AC filter needs replacing is when the back of the unit is too hot. …
  2. The Air Isn’t Cold Enough. …
  3. The Electricity Bill Has Increased. …
  4. You’re Suffering More Allergy Attacks. …
  5. There’s More Dust Near the Air Vents.

What happens when you don’t change the air filter in your house?

If you don’t change your AC filter, it will begin to fail. It will no longer be able to filter the air properly, letting dust and contaminants get into the AC. Dust jams the moving parts of an AC such as fan motors and valves. … This is how dust makes the unit less energy efficient (at best) and can lead to breakdowns.

How long does an air filter last in a house?

It is a general recommendation that you should change your air filter in your home every 30 days when using less expensive fiberglass filters. High-end pleated filters can last as long as 6 months, but these typical guidelines assume average use and don’t take into account the size and type of filter.

How often should you change your AC filter in your house?

Newer systems often use pleated filters, also rectangular with a depth of about one inch. You should replace these about every 90 days, if you have no allergies, but AC pros typically recommend every 45 days for max efficiency. Be sure to replace them with the right size and type of air filter.

Can a dirty air filter cause a high electric bill?

A dirty air filter affects indoor air quality and makes it difficult for your HVAC system to circulate conditioned air through your home. This drives up utility bills and makes your system work harder than it should.

Is no air filter better than a dirty one?

Running your air conditioner without a filter is worse than running it with a dirty one. Instead, get to the store as soon as possible for a replacement or call an HVAC professional for replacement. Without a filter, your air conditioner is at risk for severe and expensive problems.

How often should AC filters be cleaned?

Clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter or filters every month or two during the cooling season. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets in the house.

Why do my air filters get dirty so fast?

When your A/C is on the thermostat fan will constantly be running causing air too run over the air filter continuously and causing it to get dirty more quickly. … You may have a leak in your air ducts – Leaky air ducts can also cause your filter to clog up and especially if it is near your AC unit.

How many air filters does a house have?

2 air filters
How Many Air Filters Does a House Have? Typically, a house will have 2 air filters in their intake vents. In some cases, there can be more or fewer depending on the square footage of the home or apartment and the number of floors that need to be supported by the central air system.

Is it OK to spray water on your air conditioner while running?

Does spraying water on my air conditioner help it run more efficiently? … Spraying water on your air conditioner can help it run more efficiently if you remove enough dust, dirt and debris to help improve airflow and prevent it from overheating. It’s certainly not going to damage your AC unit to do so.

Does cleaning AC filter make it colder?

Freezing Up: A good, clean air filter allows air to flow freely out of your unit. A dirty air filter restricts the flow of cold air, causing it to build up inside the air conditioner and lower the internal temperature.

Can I clean my air filter instead of replacing it?

A good rule of thumb is to clean these filters every other time you replace your HVAC filters, or at the same time if they see a lot of use. Air filter maintenance varies with the manufacturer.

Is bleach or vinegar better for AC drain line?

We recommend using vinegar instead of a bleach solution because bleach can be harmful to your AC system if your drain line has copper tubing. Using vinegar will not damage your system. Spilling bleach can also ruin carpet or clothing, whereas vinegar will just leave a strong odor.

Can I use vinegar to clean AC coils?

White vinegar offers natural disinfecting properties that help disrupt current mold and bacteria growth while preventing future growth from occurring. Allow the solution to sit on the evaporator coil for a few minutes and then rinse it off with distilled water.

How often should you put vinegar in your AC?

By pouring a ¼ cup of vinegar into your AC’s drain line, you will eliminate any mold, algae, mildew, and other forms of bacteria or fungi, preventing it from forming a buildup and causing a clog. Repeat this monthly for the best results.

How do you tell if your AC drain is clogged?

A clogged AC drain line symptoms include:
  1. Musty, moldy smell near your indoor unit or in air from the registers/vents.
  2. Standing water near the indoor unit.
  3. Water damage in areas near the indoor unit.
  4. AC system is not cooling your home.
  5. AC system shuts down or doesn’t turn on.

Where do you pour vinegar in your air conditioner?

All it takes is 1/4 cup of vinegar, and a couple minutes of your time:
  1. Find your drain line. It should be near your drain pan, located near the air handler. …
  2. Remove the cap.
  3. Pour in 1/4 cup of distilled vinegar. …
  4. Place the cap back on the drain line.