When Should I replace my Air filter?
During the warm Toronto summer, it is no secret that your air conditioning unit is used more often than in winter.
It is important to have monthly upkeep with your air-conditioning unit.
It is often forgotten that your A/C unit is an appliance like a microwave, dishwasher, or oven.
Like all other appliances, repairs and routine maintenance are needed. We suggest doing routine maintenance on your air conditioner twice a year.
In Toronto and other surrounding areas, it is important to check your air conditioning unit during Fall and Spring.
Set a reminder on our phone to do a quick system check in March and October!
At Snowdon HVAC, we’ve got the parts you need for your routine maintenance as well as replacements.
During these home and business visits, we are often asked the same questions about how to prevent A/C failure.
We have compiled the four most asked questions about A/C repair and A/C upkeep.
How often should I change my air filters?
We get this question a lot. During almost every single air conditioning repair or installation that companies provide, a tenant or business owner will ask this.
Replacing your air filter is a simple but effective way that you can keep your air conditioner working longer. During the summer months, your air conditioning unit is being used longer and more frequently.
With this in mind, you should change your air filter every 30 to 40 days. After the summer months are over the lifespan of your air filter gets longer. During the winter months, you should change your air filter every 45 to 60 days.
During the summer it is important to change the filter out more frequently as it is being used more. When the air conditioner unit is being used more it collects more dust and debris in the air filter.
However, if you have pets, small children or those with allergies in your home, you will need to replace your air filter sooner.
When do I know when my air conditioner unit needs service?
At Snowdon HVAC, we recommend that you have your AC system and heating system checked twice a year.
Prevention is key in prolonging the life of your air conditioning unit.
The air conditioner system needs to be checked in the spring before the summer hits. This will prevent you from being stuck in 100° weather without an air conditioner.
The heating system needs to be checked in the fall before winter. There is nothing worse than being stuck in freezing temperatures with absolutely no heating.
Other than prevention, another reason to service your air conditioner is a heating/cooling failure.
If you are noticing an uneven hearing or your home or business, this can be an early sign of failure.
If you are noticing a strange sound while turning on while running or while turning off, call an air conditioning professional.
A strange noise can indicate faulty parts or the start of failure.
How long will my new air conditioner unit last? What is the life of my system?
The typical lifespan of your air-conditioning is about 15 years.
The lifespan of your home’s central air is affected by how often it is used, the size of your home, and the size of the unit itself.
This can last longer with proper maintenance. Although after 15 years, the efficiency is not as good as when you bought it.
Older systems can cost more, in the long run, to constantly repair and eventually replace.
When in the market for an air conditioning system you might notice the SEER rating on the packaging of the appliance.
What is a SEER Rating?
When looking at a new air conditioning furnace unit it is important to look at the SEER rating.
What does SEER exactly stand for?
- S – SEASONAL
- E – ENERGY
- E – EFFICIENCY
- R – READING
Most modern air-conditioning furnace units will be given a reading by the manufacturer.
This way homeowners and business owners can understand the efficiency of the system.
The higher the number the more efficient your system will be. Energy efficiency is a very big factor when buying a new air conditioner unit. This reading is the ratio of the cooling output of the air conditioner divided by the energy is consumed.
The minimum standard is 13 for air conditioners, however, most modern air conditioners range from 13 to 21. The higher the number the better the energy efficiency of the equipment.
How do I choose a good air filter?
When buying air filters it is important to look at the Merv reading.
The Merv reading helps you determine the effectiveness of your air filter.
This reading was designed in 1987 by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers to read the overall effectiveness of all domestic air filters.
When deciding on a new air filter, remember to ask yourself “How effective do I want my filter to be?”
The higher the rating on the filter, the fewer dust particles, contaminants, and allergens can pass through it.
It is important to get a high-quality air filter as you do not want your family to get sick by the dust particles going through your air system.
As we head toward fall make sure to have your air condition unit examined. Your cooling system is currently having its busiest season and you want to make sure that you are going into winter with an effective heating system as well.
If you have any questions regarding your A/C give us a call!
We can go over any parts you may need, and get them ordered in if we don’t already have it in stock.
With our A/C and heating replacement parts, we ensure that your entire HVAC system will be up to par.
If you only need to replace a specific part to get the unit running properly, we’ll help you handle the task quickly to avoid inconveniencing your or disrupting your schedule.