Why You Should Clean Your AC Filter.

Consider the following scenario, especially since it’s actually very common. Two years ago, your brand new AC system kept you and your family nice and comfortable at a 72-degree thermostat setting. You were happy about that, especially each time you opened your electricity bill. Last summer, however, you started to notice in mid-cooling season that 72 wasn’t quite getting it done; so, depending on the outside temperature, you needed to turn it down a degree or two to keep cool. Now it’s this summer, a 70-degree setting is barely keeping you cool, and yet your AC system is just barely two years old.

If someone were to call our office right now with that exact same story, here’s one of the first questions we would ask: “How often do you clean or replace your filter?” Come to think of it, we get calls like that all the time, and about 80% of the time, the an swer either is “I don’t know” or “I’m not sure I’ve ever cleaned it.”

And that’s too bad, because in the meantime, the AC system in question has been working harder than it really needs to while the electricity bill keeps climbing on a steady pace with the increased demand. Which leads us to lesson number one: regardless of how new or old your AC system might be, it’s important to keep your filter clean for these primary reasons:

A clogged, dirty filter restricts the amount of air it allows to pass through it. That requires your AC system to work harder to deliver the desired level of cool air.

1. Added wear and tear will bring about premature repair issues and shorten your system’s lifespan.

2. Restricted airflow also needlessly drives up the cost of your electricity.

3. Plus, at least some of the dirt, dust, and other pollutants trapped on your AC filter get blown into your air ducts, living spaces, and your lungs, thus potentially causing or aggravating problems with allergies and asthma.

So yes, it’s very important to faithfully clean your AC or furnace filter about every 60 days. At the same time, a clean filter, while a good start, isn’t all it takes to keep your system in top working order. For that, you need annual preventative maintenance performed by the licensed and experienced home comfort professionals at GBT Heating & Cooling. It’s the perfect way to maximize your investment in improved indoor comfort and reduced energy expense.

Has it been a year or more since your system was last professionally serviced? If so, contact GBT today, and sleep just a little bit better tonight.

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