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Air Conditioning

Why You Need to Check Your AC Filter

Home | Blog | Published on September 7th, 2020

Have you ever thought about what goes on inside your air conditioning in Atlanta, GA? If not, we don’t blame you, not a lot of individuals do! That’s our job. However, our job is also to give you the tools to make sure your AC system works well. Air filters are essential for all systems, regardless of who installed them. That is why we want to tell you more about the best defense against dirt-based problems in your AC unit: your air filter.

Believe it or not, this little membrane has a big job to do. Our knowledgeable technicians are here to help with maintenance, and ongoing servicing is key to keeping your air conditioner working well. Let us tell you a bit more about why your air filter is so important to your comfort and your air conditioner’s operation.

Introduction to Air Conditioning Maintenance

Keeping your air conditioner in top shape is more than just a matter of comfort—it’s essential for the health and efficiency of your entire air conditioning system, especially in the metro Atlanta area where the summer heat can be relentless. Regular air conditioning maintenance helps ensure your system runs smoothly, keeping your Atlanta home cool and your energy bills in check. When maintenance is neglected, small issues like dirty air filters or minor electrical repair needs can quickly escalate into costly repairs, or even a complete system breakdown. With proper maintenance, air conditioners typically last 15 to 20 years, making regular upkeep a worthwhile investment.

A professional HVAC technician can spot potential problems early, from compressor issues to worn-out components, and make sure your air conditioning system is operating at peak performance. Routine maintenance also means your air filters are checked and replaced as needed, which not only protects your air conditioner but also improves the air quality in your home. Central Heating and Air Conditioning offers 24-7 emergency air conditioning repair services, ensuring that help is available whenever you need it. By investing in regular maintenance, you’re not just avoiding unexpected repair costs—you’re also extending the life of your system and ensuring your family stays comfortable all season long.

What Does Your Air Filter Do?

We know what you may be thinking: “Wait, doesn’t my system’s filter stop dust from getting into my house?” Well, yes and no. The air conditioner air filter is placed in the return air duct of your system where your AC draws in hot air from your home to be cooled.

The primary function of this filter is to keep dirt and dust out of your air conditioner, though it does have the added benefit of keeping that debris out of your home too. The process works by trapping dust and debris as air passes through the filter, preventing these particles from entering and damaging the internal components of your system.

How Your Filter Can Make or Break Your Comfort

Your air filter is your air conditioner’s main defense against dirt, dust, and other debris getting into your system. Over time though, that filter is going to collect a large amount of dirty build-up unless it gets cleaned or changed out regularly. That’s why we suggest checking your filter every one to three months. If you allow your AC system to become too dirty, it will start to create problems which can include:

  • Poor airflow: A little dirt can go a long way in hindering the flow of air into your AC. An overly dirty filter is going to make it hard on your AC to pull in enough air to cool.
  • Poor cooling: If your air conditioner can’t draw in enough air, it won’t have anything to cool down and pump into your home. Not only is this harmful to your home comfort but it is also harmful to your AC systems operation and can cause short cycling.
  • Poor air quality: Last but not least, a dirty air filter is going to cause problems for your home’s air quality. All that dirt and debris are going to have a chance to slip through the filter and enter your home, reducing the quality of the air you breathe and ultimately making it harder to get comfortable.

Your air filter may seem like a minor part of your air conditioner but it really does play a big role in your air conditioner’s operation and your home comfort. We strongly suggest changing out or cleaning your air filter every month or every few months to ensure you get the cooling comfort you need. If you aren’t sure how to do this, we can help.

Schedule your AC services** with American Comfort Heating and Cooling. Our ac service is available for both routine maintenance and emergency repairs. Bringing Comfort to America, One Home at a Time.**

Improving Air Quality: The Hidden Benefit of a Clean Filter

While most homeowners know that a clean air filter helps their air conditioning system run more efficiently, many don’t realize just how much it can improve the air quality inside their home. Dirty air filters can trap dust, pollen, and other allergens, which can then circulate through your HVAC systems and impact your family’s health—especially if anyone suffers from allergies or asthma. By replacing your air filters every one to three months, you’re not only protecting your air conditioning system from unnecessary repairs, but you’re also creating a cleaner, healthier environment. Higher-efficiency air conditioning units may have higher upfront costs but provide long-term savings, making them a smart choice for those looking to improve both efficiency and air quality.

Clean air filters also help your system work more efficiently, which means lower energy bills and less strain on your equipment. If you have a ductless mini-split system or use heat pumps, regular filter changes are just as important for maintaining good air quality and system performance. Taking a comprehensive approach to air quality—by keeping up with maintenance on all your heating and cooling systems—ensures your Atlanta home stays comfortable, healthy, and free from the hidden costs of neglect.

Conclusion: The Importance of Checking Your AC Filter

In summary, checking and replacing your air filters regularly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your air conditioner running smoothly and your home’s air quality high. Regular air conditioning maintenance, performed by a professional technician, helps you avoid costly repairs, reduce energy bills, and enjoy all the benefits of a reliable air conditioning system. Whether you need ac repair services, heating and cooling maintenance, or just want to breathe easier in your Atlanta home, making air filter checks a priority is key.

By staying proactive with your HVAC system’s care, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns, extend the life of your equipment, and create a healthier, more comfortable living space for your family. Don’t wait for problems to arise—schedule your maintenance and ac repair with a trusted professional, and experience the difference that regular care can make. With the right attention, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a cool, comfortable, and efficient home all year long. Smart thermostats can further enhance comfort and lower utility bills by allowing you to control system performance remotely, making them a valuable addition to your HVAC setup.

Schedule your AC services with American Comfort Heating and Cooling. Bringing Comfort to America, One Home at a Time. 

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