Why you should change your A/C Filter

Changing the filter in your HVAC system is the single most important thing you can do when it comes to maintaining a functioning air conditioning system.  Filters should be changed every 3-4 weeks depending on certain factors.  Things such as pet hair or cigarette smoke may cause the filters to become dirtier sooner, and thus need to be monitored for replacement.

A clean air filter removes mold, pollen, and other contaminants from the air.  This is crucial for those who suffer from allergies and or asthma.  However, the type of air filter used in residential and commercial applications plays a large role in removing these particles from the air.  The filters purchased at Wal Mart that come in packs of 10 for $10 obviously aren't going to do much good.  The money you save in filter purchases is eventually spent in coil washes or compressor replacements (caused by dirty coils which are caused by dirty air filters).

The best type of Air filters that can be purchased (without spending a large amount of money on Electric Air Cleaners) are pleated filters, shown here:

They tend to be more expensive, but they do a much better job than the standard throw-away filters.  The best option would be to invest in an electronic air cleaning system which is installed as part of the system itself (not to be mistaken for room air cleaners which only clean the room they are being used in).  This system can also be somewhat pricey but seem to be the best current option and the special filters can be used for longer intervals.