The two best things you can do for your AC system are to change your furnace filter on a regular schedule and have an annual tuneup from an HVAC professional.
Our team sees a lot of AC systems with shortened life spans caused by consistently dirty furnace filters. We might be in the business of AC replacement and repairs, but we want to help you keep your current AC running at its best.
For 1’’ furnace filters, you should make a point to check on them once a month. Depending on the traffic in your home, you might only need to change the filter every couple of months but you should get on a regular schedule of checking it.
It might surprise you to know that you don’t need to spend your money on expensive furnace filters. We recommend a filter with a MERV rating of 7 or 8. These are the cheaper furnace filters in the store. The reason we recommend these is that they allow enough airflow for your HVAC system to breathe. The more expensive pleated filters can cause enough air restriction to result in poor performance from your AC. Contrary to popular belief, your furnace filter’s only job is to prevent dirt and dust from coating the fan motor and A-coil. If you want something for indoor air purification, you’ll need to set up a system specifically for that.
If you have a 4’’ or 5’’ furnace filter, you only need to change these every six months to a year. These filters do provide more air purification but they are specially made to do so. They tend to be better for those of us who forget to change the filter monthly.
If you live near cottonwood trees, which are quite popular in some areas of Altoona, you should also keep an eye on your outdoor AC coil. Cottonwood seed can coat the aluminum coils and stop your AC’s ability to release the heat it removes from your home. Luckily, you can take care of this yourself with a garden hose and a sprayer. All you need to do is spray the seeds down with water so the coils are clear on all four sides.