When to Change Your Air Filter and Why It's Important

How often do you currently replace the AC filter in your home? Knowing when to change air filters is very important for the health of your ac unit. Changing the air filter in your home air conditioning system on a regular basis helps improve the quality of the air you, your loved ones, and your pets breathe every day. A new air filter also helps prolong the life of your heating and cooling system by keeping it clean.

The air filters in your home system are designed to trap damaging dirt and debris. Airborne pet dander, spores, dust, pollen, and other harmful particles and contaminants in the air can wreak havoc on both your health and your home air conditioning system. All of these contaminants can cause a flare up of allergy or asthma symptoms in individuals who suffer from these conditions. Deciding when to change your air filter could be more or less frequently depending on these conditions. When you replace an AC filter more often, not only will it help your overall health but it can improve the health of your ac unit, as well.

We are happy to tell you that, replacing your air filter can save you money on costly repairs or replacement of your HVAC system. In addition to providing general residential and commercial plumbing and electrical service and repair, we also provide our customers with expert, skilled HVAC system maintenance and repair services. If you like, we can also evaluate your current plumbing and HVAC system, and make you aware of any potential problems we may find.

How Frequently Should You Replace an AC Filter?
Deciding when to change the air filter in your home depends on a few factors. In the average suburban home without pets, changing your filters every 90 days should be sufficient. If you have a pet dog or cat, filters should be changed every 60 days. If anyone in the home suffers from asthma or allergies, or you have more than one pet, changing filters every 20 to 45 days is recommended. In a summer or vacation home, or if there is only a single occupant and no pets or allergies exist, once every 6 to 12 months is often enough.

For more questions on when to change air filters or any other HVAC related questions, call us at (720) 839-4015.

Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Be sure to keep our number nearby and call on us when you need a professional to evaluate your plumbing, heating, and cooling system needs, or to take care of an emergency repair, any time of the day or night.

Why Do AC Units Freeze Up?

There are a couple of main reasons why AC units freeze up. The first is due to airflow issues. By “airflow” we are referring to the air flowing over the evaporator coil (the tubes that have cold liquid refrigerant running through them). When your air conditioning unit experiences insufficient airflow over the coils, it can get too cold and can be the cause for a broken air conditioner. When this happens, condensation and moisture will build up on the coils causing them to quickly ice up.

Why Do AC Units Freeze Up? Common causes for insufficient airflow may include:

• Dirty air filter (during the summer the filter should be changed once a month)
• Closed air supply vents
• Return grills covered by drapes or obscured by furniture
• Dirt buildup on the evaporator coil
•  Improperly sized ductwork
•  Bad blower motor

Another reason why an air conditioning unit may freeze up is due to low refrigerant or a refrigerant leak. It is the refrigerant that collects the heat in your home and moves it outside. When an air conditioner is low on refrigerant or it is charged incorrectly, the coils containing the refrigerant get too cold which can cause ice to build up on the coils. The problem can grow quickly when the air is humid or the coils are dirty and be the cause for a broken air conditioner.

So, why do AC units freeze up? As you can see there are a number of reasons. If your air conditioner coils are experiencing a buildup of ice, the first thing you should do to prevent any extended damage is turn off the air conditioner. Next, set your thermostat’s fan setting to the “on” position to thaw the ice in the inside unit. Once those steps have been taken, call Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling to conduct an inspection to figure out why the AC unit froze up and determine the exact cause of the ice buildup.

To schedule an appointment for regular service, preventative maintenance and care, or air conditioning service or repair unit please call us today at (720) 839-4015. Additionally, Blue Mountain is available to provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.