![\"filter-duct\"](\"https:\/\/www.robbinsheating.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Regular_Filter-200x300.jpg\")
Every air conditioner has an air filter, and you\u2019ve probably heard that you should change your air filter every month (or two). The reason for this, however, and the reason you have an air filter in the first place, is something that\u2019s often misunderstood. When you don\u2019t change the filter regularly, it can have serious consequences on the way your air conditioner works.<\/p>\n
We go over this and other facts about your AC system\u2019s air filter in the guide below. For more information, call our expert team!<\/p>\n
Many people believe that the filter is in the air conditioning system is there to keep them healthy. These days, that\u2019s true\u2014partially. But if you were to remove the filter, it would not just be your health that was in jeopardy.<\/p>\n
Air filters were engineered into air conditioning systems in order to protect them. Before air is cooled and moves through your home, the blower fan sucks in warm air through a supply register. If there were no barrier over the register, the fan could also suck in large pieces of debris. This debris could pummel the AC unit<\/a> and cause damages. Plus, an air conditioning coil that\u2019s covered in dust will not be able to do its job.<\/p>\n Never run the air conditioner without a filter in place!<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do I need to replace the filter if my allergies aren\u2019t acting up?\u201d We hear sometimes. You associate cleanliness with health, and may assume that changing the filter is a part of indoor air quality control. And while technicians do care about your overall health and wellbeing, that\u2019s not necessarily what they\u2019re saying.<\/p>\n Neglecting to change the filter means that it is clogged up with dirt and debris. And this means that air cannot flow through the AC system at all. Your air conditioning system will struggle to work properly. All in all\u2026<\/p>\n The final fact we think you should know about air filters is that they come in many shapes and sizes\u2014and they are not all right for your home. You can tell how effective your air filter is by checking the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value). A higher MERV could clean the air better, and MERV ratings may go up to about 16.<\/p>\n However, your air conditioner might only work with a filter with a MERV rating of about 4-8. Any higher than this, and the fibers could block the fan from moving air in (just as if you had a filter that was too dirty). Read your air conditioner\u2019s manual for help selecting the right replacement filter, and call a technician if you have any questions.<\/p>\n#2: A Dirty Filter Is More than an Air Quality Issue<\/h2>\n
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#3: A Better Filter Might Not Clean the Air<\/h2>\n