Fixing a Clogged Air Filter

There are parts of your air conditioning system that you’ll need to look at on a regular basis, and the air filter is one of the most important. This filter acts as a barrier between the outdoor air and your home’s ductwork. Like the water filter in your fridge, it pulls contaminants out before your system conditions the air. If you don’t replace it often enough, you may notice a lot of problems. Here are a few reasons to keep up with air filter maintenance and when you should call for the AC Repair Tampa homeowners count on.

When to Replace Air Filters

If you’ve ever worn a mask to minimize what you breathe in, you have a basic idea of how an air filter works. The filter traps dust and other particles that would otherwise settle on parts of your AC system and possibly damage them. Most people should replace the air filter once a season, but others might need to swap it out every month. If you’ve never looked inside your AC system, inside or outside, here’s what you can watch for:

  • Ice buildup or water coming from the evaporator coil inside
  • Higher energy consumption, but the house doesn’t feel as cool
  • The AC turns on and off without reaching the right temperature

All of these are signs that the filter is clogged enough to be causing other problems. You’ll want to act right away to avoid further damage.

Selecting the Right Filter for Your Home

Air filters come in a variety of sizes and filtering capacity. When you shop for a filter, you’ll notice the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) on the box. It ranges from 1-16, but you’re most likely to see MERV ratings around 5-12. Higher numbers indicate greater filtration. If you’re unsure which rating is best for you, ask your technician to help you decide.

Choose Gulf Coast for AC Repair in Tampa

When you schedule a regular tune-up for your AC, replacing the air filter is part of the package. This is the easiest way to protect your AC now and in the future. Hiring a professional to do the work ensures that you get an inspection of the system at the same time. If you haven’t replaced your filter in over a year, you also need to confirm that the system is still in good shape. With a clean system in great condition, you can make regular filter replacement a quick part of your routine.

For all things AC repair in Tampa, you can count on Gulf Coast Air Systems to fix the problem. Give us a call at 813-689-2082 today for quality AC repair, maintenance, and replacement services.