Most homeowners don’t give very much thought to the air filter within their HVAC system. This is natural, since it’s mostly out of sight. However, do you realize the importance of this component? Your air filter is what safeguards the inside components of your heating and cooling system from dust, dirt, debris, and other allergens.
Air filters much be changed or cleaned on a regular basis. Every three months is the general rule, so waiting for your annual or even bi-annual maintenance visit would be a mistake. Changing your air filter is a task you can do on your own, and that you should do in order to ensure that your air conditioner runs effectively and efficiently.
What Your Air Filter Does
As mentioned above, your air filter safeguards your HVAC system. This air filter is not designed to clean the air in your home. Rather, for that you’ll want a dedicated filtration system or air cleaner. The standard air filter’s main job is to prevent debris drawn into the return air ducts from reaching the air conditioner’s cabinet and damaging the interior components. The reason this is so important is because an accumulation of dust can eventually cause friction on the system’s motors, and can cause icing to occur on the coils.
Where Your Filter is Located
Depending on the home, an air filter can be found in different areas. Some may even be tricky to find. As a general rule however, if you can find the air handler, then the air filter is usually on the intake side of the unit. From there, you can slide the filter out of a slot in order to replace it or clean it. If you still aren’t sure where the air filter is, be sure to confide in a professional HVAC technician.
Your comfort is our promise: for quality air conditioning services in Cedar Falls, IA, contact Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. today.