Lake Havasu is one of the hottest locations in the United States, setting a record of 128°F in 1994. With temperatures regularly reaching over 100°F in the summer, air conditioning is not only a luxury but a necessity. Be sure that your air conditioning is running at peak performance with Ambient Edge, your premier indoor air quality inspection and testing company in Lake Havasu, AZ.
To ensure your air conditioner is working as efficiently as possible, changing its filter is essential. Not only will a clean filter provide the most efficient circulation, but it will also assist in providing the cleanest air for you and your family. Ambient Edge can change your filter, assess your air conditioning system, and provide you with unparalleled customer service.
The Importance of Changing Your Air Conditioning Filter
According to World Climate, with average yearly rainfall totaling less than 4 inches annually, Lake Havasu can also be one of the driest areas in North America. The sand and dust produced by its dry climate can clog filters and overstress your air conditioning system. Keeping your air conditioner running at peak efficiency is essential.
Clean filters are also essential if you have allergies or asthma. If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of these conditions, replacing your air conditioning filter should be a major priority for you. Our air conditioning repair company in Lake Havasu, AZ, can assist you in choosing the most appropriate filter for your home or office.
If you have pets, this can also affect the performance of your filter. Dander and pet hair can clog filters and accelerate the rate at which you should be cleaning or replacing, depending on the type of filter you are currently using. This may be especially notable if you have two or more pets in the home.
Indicators that You Should Change Your Air Conditioning Filter
While filters can become visibly dirty over time, not all particulates will be visible to the naked eye. Depending on the type of filter you are using, there are some signs you can look out for. Here are some indicators to be aware of:
- You can smell foul odors coming from the vents or registers
- The system is set to cool, but you can feel warm air coming from your vents or registers
- A significant buildup of dirt, dust, pollen, or other contaminants at your vents or registers
- The system has not been inspected or serviced in the last year (any air conditioning system should be serviced every year to extend its use)
- You can see dirt, pet hair, or other contaminants in the filter medium (most contaminants will not be visible)
How Often You Should Change Your Air Conditioner’s Filter
Your particular system will have its own specific requirements from the manufacturer ranging from 1 month to 3 months. Your specific needs may also factor into how often you should change your air conditioner’s filter. Changing your filter once every month may be ideal if you have multiple persons living in your home or if you have one or more pets.
If anybody in your home suffers from allergies or chronic respiratory illnesses, it can be beneficial for them to change your filter every month. Asthma sufferers may also appreciate monthly filter changes. These health conditions can also help you in choosing the type of filter best suited to your needs.
Choosing the Right Air Filter for Your Home
The number of options for air conditioner filters can seem overwhelming to most people. Many factors can help to inform your decision on the filter ideal for your home or office. Utilizing the filter recommended by the manufacturer of your particular air conditioning system is a good place to start, but some other factors may lead you to a potentially better choice for your application.
When choosing the filter that is right for you, you should consider the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) rating. This system rates a filter’s ability to filter contaminants based on their size measured in microns. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter will be at removing contaminants.
The highest rating on the MERV scale is the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. According to the United States Department Of Energy (DOE), this type of filter can possibly remove particulates as small as 0.3 microns with up to 99.97% efficiency. These filters are particularly effective for consumers with respiratory conditions but will still need to be cleaned or replaced every month.
The Benefits of Having a Professional HVAC Technician Replacing Your Air Conditioning Filter
Some people can change their air conditioning system’s filter by themselves. Even if you are capable of changing the filter on your own, there are many other benefits to having a specialist HVAC technician change your filter. The HVAC professionals with Ambient Edge have the knowledge and experience to notice things that you could miss, including:
- We can assist you in reprogramming your thermostat if applicable
- We can replace your filter based on your needs and your system’s manufacturer’s specifications and requirements
- We can check the condition and levels of the refrigerant to check the efficiency of your air conditioning system
- We can perform an inspection visually on your system to check for contaminant buildup on critical components or leaks
Modern HVAC systems are highly complex systems and can benefit from a professional touch. Our pro team can help extend the life of your air conditioning unit and avoid costly repairs. Ambient Edge offers a complete service experience, from simple filter replacement and inspections to 24-hour emergency AC repair.
Contact Ambient Edge For All of Your HVAC Needs
Our professional and courteous technicians from Ambient Edge can assist with necessary AC repairs and choosing a filter if you are not sure what you need and are available 24/7 to meet your needs. Beat the Arizona heat and keep your air conditioning system running as smoothly as possible. Contact us today or fill out our convenient contact form to schedule your complete HVAC assessment now.