Air Conditioning Filters - Essential Maintenance Items
By Dave Thinel
There is nothing quite like the relief air conditioning provides on a really hot summer day. Sometimes we take air conditioning for granted, that is, until it malfunctions during a heat wave. Maintenance while not an overly burdensome task is essential for proper operation of our systems.
The first step should be to establish a regular interval for changing the air conditioning filters. Fortunately, this is an easy do it yourself task for most people and is not too expensive either.
Operating the air conditioning with a dirty filter is going to lead to longer runs times and electric bills. Because of this, waiting to change the filter in order to save a little money is really a false economy.
Selecting the correct filter for the efficient operation of the system is relatively straight forward. Even the old fashioned fiberglass varieties will do an ok job of filtering enough debris from the air to allow the system to operate efficiently. That is provided the evaporator is cleaned periodically and that the environment is not excessively dirty.
If improving the indoor air quality is a primary focus then a more efficient filter will be needed. There are many varieties available but not all may be suitable to your system. You may notice a MERV rating for air conditioning filters which provides a standardized way of judging the amount of filtration provided.
Selecting a filter which is too restrictive for your system can have the similar effect as using an excessively dirty filter; the loss of airflow. Airflow is an important factor to consider since it has a noticeable effect on proper operation and electrical costs.
Assuming a proper installation, air flow problems are most commonly caused by excessive dirt in the filter or on the evaporator. In the case of the filter the dirt results in restriction above normal levels and can lead to freeze up.
Once the evaporator becomes dirty it begins to lose the ability to transfer heat which can also lead to freeze up. In both cases the electrical cost will increase since the system is unable to operate as designed. For most of us cleaning the evaporator is best left to an HVAC technician.
Regular air filter changes are essential and are a cost effective alternative to higher electric bills and unscheduled repairs and maintenance. Think about how many air filters you could purchase with the money spent on a professional air conditioning repair. Not to mention the discomfort of living in your home while the system is down during that summer heat wave.
Air Conditioning Filters Guide provides all the information you'll need to select and use Air Conditioning Filters, properly. Use the free resources at http://www.airconditioningfiltersguide.com
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Air Conditioning Filters - Essential Maintenance Items
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