With the summer temperatures of Australia taking a massive hike in the past few years, air conditioning systems are a necessity. In fact, Aussies spend over $3.7 billion in air-con during a single summer.
They keep their AC units running for an average of 6.3 hours per day. This is why it is essential to hire a reliable air conditioning service to maintain the health of your unit. Moreover, something as vital as an air filter must be checked regularly. The presence of dust and other containments in the filter can damage your health.
On top of adverse impacts on your health, an unchanged air filter can also cause damage to your unit, in turn wasting your money.
Ensure that you perform periodic maintenance at least once every two months to ensure that you are breathing clean air. Here are a few signs that suggest it is time to change your air filter.
Sign 1: Malfunctioning of AC System
One massive giveaway of a malfunctioning AC system is overheating. Once you notice that your AC starts blowing hot or warm air, it is generally because the air filter has been clogged.
A clogged air filter means your AC has to work a lot harder to keep the room cool. As a result, your AC unit will start requiring more frequent repairs, shortening its overall lifespan. Reduce the load on your unit by periodically changing the air filter.
Sign 2: Increase in Allergy Symptoms
An unclean air filter can be detrimental to allergy sufferers since your unit will start circulating these contaminants. Once the filter is saturated with pollen, dust, pet fur, and other airborne particles, it starts dispersing them into the air.
Consequently, you will be prone to more frequent allergy attacks, and your overall indoor air quality will decrease.
So, if you are someone with asthma or allergies, you need to check on your air filter and change it whenever necessary.
Step 3: Failure in Passing the White Sheet Test
A white sheet test is designed to determine whether your air filter needs changing. Just hang the white sheet 5 inches away from the ducts, and wait for an hour or two.
The sheet turning grey indicates that the air filter needs to be changed.
Step 4: Dirt Accumulation Near Vents
One way to determine the air filter condition is by checking the vents for signs of dirt. If you see dirt percolate near the vents, it means that the air filter has been clogged.
Step 5: Surge in Electricity Bills
Due to the increasingly high temperatures of Australian summers, Aussies usually end up using their AC units all day.
But that is no justification to pay a really high electricity bill since the sudden spike might have been caused due to clogged air filters.
This is why your AC unit has to work a lot harder, in turn using a lot of electricity. In fact, an AC unit will use about 5 – 15% less energy when the air filters are clean.
A trustworthy and efficient air conditioning service is indispensable for a place like Australia, since the constant high temperatures and climatic extremities can make livelihood difficult during hot summers.
An air condition unit in a good condition is more than just recommended; it is a necessity. Ensure that your air filter is clean and changed periodically to maintain the condition of your unit and cut down on electricity usage.
