Clean or replace the air conditioner filter once or twice a month during the cooling season for optimal performance. If your air conditioner also works as a heat pump, you should clean or replace the filter every three months throughout the year. As a general rule, you should clean the air conditioner filters inside the indoor unit every two weeks. In more polluted or dusty environments, it is recommended to clean filters more regularly.
Some types of filters are reusable; others need to be replaced. They come in a variety of types and efficiencies. It is recommended to clean or replace the air conditioning system filter or filters every one to two months during the cooling season. If the air conditioner is in constant use, exposed to dusty conditions, or if you have furry pets in the house, filters may need more frequent care.
Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies suggest changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months. This may vary depending on the location of your home (e.g. dusty and dry climates), if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. If you have pets at home, it is recommended to change the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and in households with several pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, it is suggested to change the filter every 20 to 45 days.
Vacation homes or empty houses that aren't used much can wait to change filters every 9 to 12 months. The more you use your home, the more often you'll need to change your air filter. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can reduce air conditioner energy consumption by 5% to 15%. If you are cleaning the air conditioner filter, you must remove it and replace it with a new one.
Therefore, how often you change your air conditioner filter depends on the type of filter and your home conditions. Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than that recommended by the boiler or air conditioner manufacturer may affect its performance. As a general rule, it is suggested that people should change an air filter every two to three months and a water filter every six months. The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean your filters.
Air conditioner manufacturers usually recommend changing the filter every two months, but it is suggested refreshing the filter every quarter (four times a year). If you're not sure how often you should clean your air conditioner filter, you can follow the manufacturer's instructions to replace the filter. Dirty filters restrict the flow of cold air, which can cause it to build up inside the air conditioner. Each filter must be changed several times, such as once a month for grease and carbon filters in kitchen microwaves or after each use in a dryer's lint filter, so unfortunately, this means doing some research on your specific appliance. Cleaning filters is the most important maintenance task you can do to take care of your air conditioner.
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating for an air filter measures how effectively the filter prevents dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter and reaching the air stream. For a more thorough cleaning, fill a sink with one part water and one part white vinegar and then let the HVAC filter absorb the solution for one hour. You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions on how often to clean the air conditioner filter.
