How To Make Sure Your Air Conditioner Lasts

Air conditioner repair or replacement can cost a pretty penny, especially if the extent of the damage is serious. Therefore, every homeowner should want to know how to make your air conditioner last longer. To avoid costly measures, it’s imperative that you stay on top of maintenance.  A vital way of protecting your AC unit from damage is making sure the air filters are replaced.

How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

Estimating the lifetime of an air conditioner can be a challenge. After all, the brand and model of the air conditioner that you have matters a lot. The amount of care and maintenance that you routinely perform can also make a big difference. For example, are you buying best-in-breed filters for your air conditioner? Ultimately, an air conditioner can last between 10 to 20 years before needing to be replaced. However, if you follow proper maintenance, you can expect a 15 – 20 year lifetime. 

Consequences Of Infrequent Air Filter Replacement

A lot of people overlook changing their air filters because it’s not an overt issue.  Also, the damaging effects of a dirty filter usually take a while before they manifest.  Here’s what can happen if you decide to neglect frequent filter changes.

Poor Air Quality

Air filters are designed to capture harmful airborne particles from indoor air.   Some of the most common contaminants in homes are dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites, auto emissions, smoke, and bacteria. 

Not only will neglection of changing your air filter decrease the efficiency of your filter, but it will also turn that filter into a haven for all things unpleasant.

Negative Environmental Footprint

An overused air filter will force your system to work harder which in turn will result in your energy usage increasing, harming the environment.  The more energy required means more electricity needed and more pollution created as an effect. 

Fossil fuels are consumed at an increased rate, which causes greenhouse gas emissions, which are a big contributor to ozone depletion.

Air Conditioning System Failure

The number one cause of air conditioning system ineffectiveness and malfunction is an expired air filter!  A grimy air filter that’s clogged will not allow air to flow at its maximum capacity.  The result is added strain on the fan, causing it to overheat and collapse.

How To Make Your Air Conditioner Last Longer Explained

How To Make Your Air Conditioner Last Longer?

To avoid these negative results, it’s important to regularly replace your air filters.  If this is your first time changing your filter, there are several options for you to discover depending on your needs. 

Which Air Filter Should I Buy to Protect My Air Conditioner?

Before finding the type of filter you want, it’s best to understand a little bit about how filters are classified.

What Is MERV?

The standard by which filters are graded is called the MERV system.  MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.  The higher the MERV number, the greater its rating and the more efficient it is.  The MERV rating number goes from the lowest of 1, and the highest of 20.  

Which MERV Score Is Right For You? 

If you have mild allergies and want to make sure that pollen is a non-factor in your home during springtime, then a MERV 8 or MERV 11 can help.  But let’s say you desire the best of the best in both air quality and efficiency, then the MERV 13 filter would be your choice.  Anything higher than MERV 13 isn’t recommended for residential use.  

Visit FiltersFast.com for high-quality pleated MERV filters that will protect your unit as well as provide superior indoor air quality.