AC Filter Change 101: Avoiding Repairs and Improving Air Quality

In the realm of HVAC maintenance, one practice stands out as a linchpin for preventing costly repairs, leaks, and damage while simultaneously extending the life of your AC system—regular AC filter changes. In this blog post, we’ll explore how this simple yet crucial task not only safeguards your investment but also enhances indoor air quality, creating a healthier environment for you and your family.

An AC filter change every month (or as per product instructions) will help to avoid leaks and improve the air quality you’re breathing. This is THE #1 preventative maintenance action to take to prolong the life of your AC system.

Did you know? AC issues are the #1 most common repair request for rentals in South Florida! AC leaking water into the home, and AC units not cooling are the most common complaints. Worst scenario? When the AC breaks on a Friday afternoon and you have to suffer through 80+ degree inside temperatures through the weekend. MOST of these AC issues are COMPLETELY AVOIDABLE!!!

Change AC Filter

And IMPROVE THE AIR QUALITY you're breathing!

Changing the AC filter is easy. If you have a rental property, make sure to SHOW YOUR TENANTS HOW to change the AC filter. Make sure to put in your lease that tenants are responsible for changing the AC filter every month or as per the type of AC filter. AC filters are inexpensive and can be found at most any Home Depot, Lowes, ACE Hardware and also on Amazon! Bulk packs make AC filters even cheaper.

If you have a rental property, put the AC filter size in your lease or in an addendum. Make sure your tenants know the size, how often to change the filter and that it is THEIR responsibility to do so. And show them how!

TIP: Buy disposable AC Filters in bulk. Write each Month on the front so it’s easy to remember when to swap it out for a new one.

Buying AC filters in bulk usually saves a lot of money, depending on the type of filter being purchased. Also, by buying a bunch of filters at the same time, it’s easy to mark each month on the front. By marking each month, it becomes much easier to remember to change the filter when it should be changed!

AC Filter Type

If you or your tenants have pets or allergies, there are different types of AC filters you’ll want to consider. AC filters use the MERV ratings system, which is based on the size of particles it is able to filter out of the air. Some filters offer higher ranges of filtering out pollen, pet danger, smoke, odor and bacteria which is helpful for those who want higher quality air inside their home. Typically, the most expensive filters are those that provide the best air quality. The least expensive AC filters are those that are 30 day replaceable with minimal filtration of pollen/allergens.

Reusable AC filter (so dirty, yuck!). So much dirt that it was blocking the air from getting through, which makes the whole system work too hard and causes issues.

A dirty filter like this DIRECTLY AFFECTS the air quality in your home. When your AC filter is filthy, there is lots more dirty, dust, pollen and pet hair circulating and you and your family are breathing all that in.

This is a reusable filter. The size may not be marked on it, it most likely needs to be measured. It’s washable, so it needs to be hosed down until the water runs clear through the filter mesh, at least once per month.

This type of AC filter is convenient but isn’t the best type to keep the AC coils clean and drain line clear. Typically, reusable filters are equivalent to the lowest MERV rating in the range of 1-3.

Disposable AC filter (so dirty, yuck!). Not changing filters regularly not only causes the AC system to work too hard and causes issues, but it also makes a very dirty AC closet.

This is a very dirty AC filter that needs to be replaced. These filters are around $3-15 each, depending on the type. Air can’t flow through a filter this dirty.

Dirty filters cause water leaks, dirty coils and clogged drain lines. All easily avoidable! It’s also important to keep the AC filter closet clean and clear from dust and dirt build-up. This AC closet is kinda gross.

Change the AC filter regularly to avoid repair bills and ALSO extend the life of the AC unit!

Lack of regular AC preventative maintenance will shorten the life of the AC unit and cause otherwise avoidable extra repair expenses!

Good AC preventative maintenance includes:

Change AC filter monthly, or as per filter type
Have AC coils cleaned every 2-3 years
Use AC tabs regularly to keep lines clear (if algae growth is an issue)
Keep drain lines clear, watch for extra condensation and leaking

When the AC runs with a dirty filter, dust and dirt build up on the coils. What happens? Coils freeze, water leaks and AC stops cooling!

Dirty and frozen AC coils. This is a result of running the AC with dirty AC filters! When you don’t block the dust and dirt with the filter, that dust and dirt will run through to the coils. When coils get dirty and freeze up it causes the AC to leak water and stop cooling! This becomes an easy $135+ AC tech visit PLUS a coil clean $275+.

Filthy AC coils! AC tech will remove from inside unit, take outside to to acid wash. Coils this dirty cause the AC to stop cooling, and water to leak out. Also causes the drain lines to clog, adding to the repair cost. All of this happens JUST BECAUSE the filter doesn’t get changed monthly or regularly.