Almost every home in Canada has an air conditioning unit. For most people, it is a necessity especially if they live in the southern parts of the country where the weather is warmer. Their AC unit will provide cold air inside their homes by removing heat and humidity from the indoor air and then transferring them outside.
Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget that the air conditioner is just another mechanical device that needs maintenance in order to work properly. Given the high cost and expenses incurred in operating the unit, it is important that you keep your AC serviced regularly to avoid potential and expensive repairs.
One of the most important parts of the air conditioner is the filter. In general, the filter is regarded as your first line of defense for your indoor environment against harmful particles. To understand its importance better, read our guide to learn about the role of air filters in AC units.
The function of air filters
As the name suggests, air filters basically filter your air. They trap and hold all harmful particles and foreign matter found indoors such as dust, dirt, pollen, mold, fiber and bacteria that could affect your health, comfort and indoor air quality. The filter operates with the help of a porous structure through which the particles cannot pass through.
In order to make the most out of your AC’s air filters, you need to have your unit installed and serviced by professionals. If you live in Canada’s warmer province Ontario, look for the best air conditioning installation Hamilton has to offer so you can increase your home comfort levels effectively with a high-quality AC unit.
When to change your AC’s air filters
Probably one of the most commonly asked questions among homeowners regarding their AC is when they should change their unit’s air filters. In general, many people choose to do so twice a year, usually in spring and fall.
However, in order to maintain good air quality in your home, it is suggested that you replace the filters once every month, or once every two months. This is usually the case if you have pets at home or if you live in an area that’s high in pollen.
If you fail to do this, you are increasing the chances of poor air quality, inconsistent air temperature, greater risk of system failure, dirty air ducts and even high energy costs.
Types of air filters
Depending on your budget, needs and preferences, there are several different types of air filters available you can consider. Some of the most commonly used types are flat fiberglass filters, pleated filters and washable filters.
For example, fiberglass air filters are one of the most preferred options among homeowners because they are affordable and disposable after a single use.
On the other hand, washable filters are cloth-based filters that you can wash and reuse again. They are also relatively cheap and are designed for low-intensity use.
As for pleated air filters, they are similar to fiberglass filters, except they are made of special cloth materials that perform better filtration and last longer.
How to clean your AC’s air filters
If you want your air conditioning unit to work properly, you need to clean your filters on a regular basis. However, how often you should clean them mainly depends on your usage. Most homeowners are advised to clean their AC filters every two weeks after 200-250 hours of use and then get them replaced every three to four months.
If you decide to clean the air filters yourself, make sure you have the right tools and knowledge to do it. If you have never done it before, it is best that you call up professionals to do the cleaning for you effectively.
Final thoughts
If you live in the warmer parts of Canada, you will most likely need an air conditioning unit to help get you through the summertime with ease. Besides providing you with cold air indoors, your AC will also help improve your home’s air quality and trap harmful particulates from polluting your home environment.
The one part of your unit which helps the most with this are your air filters. If you want to know more about them, refer to our post and learn about their role in your air conditioning unit.
