Perhaps the most important maintenance action you can take as a homeowner to help prevent unnecessary Orlando air conditioning repair takes just minutes and costs only a few dollars: change your air filter.
Air filters range in size, shape, and material, but they all do the same thing: clean the air that’s flowing over your coils, wires, fans, and other air conditioner parts. A dirty filter will allow more contaminated air through, and if especially clogged up with debris, will make your unit work harder than normal. That translates into higher energy bills and excessive wear on other parts of your system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this simple swap can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent!
Most residential air conditioners provide easy access to the air filter. The filter is commonly located in the wall or ceiling, but it can also be in the furnace or, as is the case with room units, in the air conditioner itself. Unfasten the grill where the air flows in, and behind it you will find the filter.
If your air conditioner has been running a lot lately–like most of the year here in Florida, then you’ll probably see dirt and dust accumulating, especially when you compare it to a clean filter. Some pollutants don’t show up as black or grey; it’s best to change the filter if it looks different than a new one. Or, in the case of reusable filters, clean it.
How often? Generally once a month, but more often if you have pets, allergy sufferers, smokers, or a lot of people living in the house; and less often in the cooler months when it runs less. Either way, it’s a good idea to check it at least monthly.
If you have been keeping your air filter changed frequently but suspect your system is not operating normally, contact the experts in Orlando air conditioning repair at All Temp Air Conditioning and Heating through our website or by calling 407-857-7800. When you catch a problem early, chances are, you’ll prevent a more costly repair down the road. Don’t ignore higher energy bills or strange sounds–they don’t go away by themselves.
