Change your AC Filter on time
With so much to do around your house, changing your AC air filters might be the last thing on your mind. However, it’s one of the most important things you can do for home improvement. Dubai’s a city of heat, dust, and everything in between, so getting your air filter changed or at least knowing the basics can truly go a long way. In fact, it’s probably due for a change right now!
In case you don’t know how to do it or when exactly you should, don’t worry. Our guide here has everything you need for a healthier home.
Why do you need to change your AC system often?
It’s super important to change your AC filter because they aren’t meant to be around forever. When you install it, make sure to keep a note of the date, so that you can track the next best time to change it.
If you don’t change your AC filters, it could have negative consequences on your health. Excessive dust in the air can lead to allergies, breathing problems, coughing, and other health problems. Replacing your air filter is important to ensure that there aren’t dust particles in the air and that they are contained as much as possible.
Moreover, if you don’t change your air filter on time, your AC equipment could break down. Filters take up too much load and this can lead to issues or even a replacement. Dust or debris from the old filter can get into the nooks and crannies of your AC’s fan component.
So, what do we mean by often?
Each type of filter has different specifications and when you buy the filter, it should tell you on the packaging when you should change it. But it’s not necessary to always follow this. That date is the maximum limit you should push it to.
Air filters have a porous substance that takes in particles and block out the airflow of dust. They are designed to do this for slightly longer periods, however, once they are in for too long, the airflow of your system could get affected.
Here’s when you know it’s time to change your air filter.
What’s that in the air?
Whenever you feel that there is excessive dust in the air, the time to change your AC filter has arrived. You’ll know this when people around the house are coughing incessantly. Periods of allergy or flu, or activities such as home renovations can create more dust than usual. You will need to change your filter right after the renovation because you don’t want to be sucking in all that debris at a later stage. If you’re vacuuming way more than usual, it’s also a good sign that you need to check out your air filter.
Changing seasons
Certain seasons such as summer have you using the AC a lot more, and if you have pets at home, their fur might be flying around everywhere. However, during winter, when you don’t put the AC on as much, maybe you won’t switch it on as often and the dust won’t be as rampant. During spring, allergens in the air could cause issues, and you need your AC on to ventilate your home.
Steps to change your air filter
Changing your air filter isn’t as difficult as you think it might be. These are some steps to follow:
- Always ensure that your AC is switched off before trying to attempt anything. Keep protective gear on such as gloves and a helmet.
- The next step is finding your air filter either within the system or vents.
- Open the filter box. In case you need a screwdriver, you can use one.
- Take out the dirty filter. Check if there is anything unusual or if the filter is far dirtier than usual. It’s important to also see if there are gaps or cracks in the filter, which could mean that it’s overloaded.
- Replace the filter with a new one, and then it should go back to normal working.
What to check when buying an AC filter
To ensure that you have the right size and type of filter, make sure to check up on all the information that’s on the one you have now. However, if that’s too difficult to decipher at the beginning, then you can check the following:
- Try avoiding the little blue or green fiber filters. Those aren’t too effective at all.
- Don’t go for the most or least expensive filter, but check if it’s compatible with your system.
- The best types of filters are those which are quality pleated with a strong wire mesh. This is to ensure that the filter stays sturdy and doesn’t collapse. It should also have a good MERV rating, of either eight or nine, and what this indicates is that it has a finer filter which keeps more debris and dust at bay.
But don’t worry, in case you’re just not up to the task, a professional can help you.
When you need to call a professional to change your air filter on time.
If you’ve already done this a couple of times and know exactly where to locate the air filter, then we say it might be fine to do it on your own. But even then, there are risks of safety and health. For example, if you’re highly allergic to dust, then changing the filter by yourself isn’t a good idea at all. You could get into a major coughing and sneezing fit, with a congested nose for the entire day.
So, the best option is to call in a professional company such as Octopus, to do this for you. Also, you need to get your filter changed and checked at least twice a year. Primarily before the summer, as that’s when you will be using your AC the most. While doing a check of your AC, professionals can replace the filters as well.
If you have concerns about the air quality or your family members aren’t feeling well, even after a filter change, then do call in professionals. They can let you know if your system is salvageable or not. In case it isn’t, they may advise you to get it repaired from scratch or get it replaced entirely. In any case, it’s wise to change your AC system once every 10 years or so, as STAR ratings keep changing in newer models. The latest appliances are smart, energy-efficient, and have better air filtration systems.
Do reach out to experts at Octopus who can help you out with your AC system and ensure everything’s in order. Call 800 3993.
