Air Conditioner Not Working? Check Your Filter

Air Filters Are Not Just for Your Furnace

We hear it again and again by the Indianapolis homeowners we serve. It’s the misconception that your HVAC filter only needs to be changed in winter. Unfortunately, this is not accurate.

The air filter cleans air and protects the mechanical components of your HVAC system year round, and therefore needs to be changed regularly throughout the year. In fact, the impact of a blocked air filter can have a more immediate negative impact on your air conditioning system during the summer than in the winter.

A filter compacted with dust and debris will choke off airflow through the evaporator coil. With the coil operating at a very cold temperature, it needs the warm air circulating through it to prevent freezing. And as a coil freezes, it will prevent airflow even further, compounding the issue until you have a block of ice.

How Often to Change Your HVAC Filter

There are no hard and fast rules to changing a filter, but we recommend:

• 3-month maximum for a one-inch pleated filter
• 4-9 months for a 4-5-inch filter.

The easiest way to remember this task amidst everything else going on in your life is to purchase the filters in bulk. Then, set a Google or Outlook calendar appointment each time you replace your filter.

Whatever your approach, we highly recommend checking your filter before calling your go-to HVAC contractor. And if you don’t have a go-to HVAC contractor in the Indianapolis area, call us at 317-670-0171.