Air conditioners — hey cool down homes, keep the humidity out, and make summers in Florida bearable. They also play a crucial role in indoor air quality. So if you’ve noticed that the air filters are getting dirty at what seems to be a fast rate, you may be wondering what’s causing it, and what can you do to fix it.
5 Reasons Why Your AC Filter Gets Dirty So Fast
1. The thermostat fan is on
When you set a temperature on your thermostat, the AC system will turn on and circulate air until your home is as cool as you set it to be. Then, it shuts off. Ideally, the thermostat fan shuts off too — which is what happens if you set it to auto. If it’s on, it will continue to circulate air around the clock, causing the air filter to become clogged with dust and debris at a faster rate.
2. Several people live in your home
One of the factors to help you determine how often to change the air filter is how many people live in your home. And, if any of them is a smoker or suffers from seasonal allergies, you’ll have to change them more often. That said, there are things you can do to be able to go longer without changing the filter. HEPA air filters trap a higher number of dust particles and allergens — including the kind that are too small for traditional filters to trap.
3. You have pets
If you have furry kids, you are well aware of the fact that they shed everywhere. And if you can see their hair all over your furniture, floor, and clothes, think about how much accumulates on your AC filter. If this is the case in your home, change the filter every 60 days.
4. Mold growth
The same way mold can leave unsightly dots on the ceiling or unsightly marks in your bathrooms, it can also breed at a fast rate on the air conditioner filter — especially since water droplets taken from the humidity inside your home reside in the AC’s drip pan for a while. Other telltale signs of mold include a musty smell inside your home, condensation inside window panes, and itchy, watery eyes. To find out if mold is indeed the culprit, schedule a mold inspection. And, to prevent the issue from happening again, install a humidistat.
5. You have low-quality air filters
When shopping for air filters, you’ve probably noticed that they can range significantly in price. And, while you may feel like a savvy shopper by buying a budget-friendly one, you have to replace them more often — which means spending more money in the long run. Next time you go to the store, look for the filter’s MERV rating. It can range from 1 to 20. The higher the number, the better the air filter quality.
AC Service Repair in Brevard County
At Colman, we can help you with all of your air conditioner needs. We have a 24/7 AC emergency line to assist you if you have any issues outside our regular business hours. Call us if you need assistance ASAP or for guidance on which air conditioner is best for your home.
24-HR Emergency Service: (321) 269-4565
