Window Air Conditioner Filters
Nearly every consumer knows how important it is to change their air conditioner filters on a regular basis. There are several varieties of filters for central heat and air units designed to meet a range of personal needs as well as financial ones. While some filters are designed to last up to six months, these of course being the more costly models, others require changing every month, all depending on the type and quality of filter you have installed. The catch is that people who may not have a central system in their home or residence may not be as familiar with filter maintenance requirements as they should be. Window air conditioner filters, for example, very rarely need replacing. They do, however, require much more frequent cleaning than a standard central unit's filter.
Why Are Window Air Conditioner Filters Different?
The majority of filters for standard central heating and cooling systems are designed to be disposable. Since the central unit's air handler is typically out of the way, the filters are designed to have as long a life as possible, eliminating the constant need for replacement. With a window unit, however, the system is easily accessible and the filters are significantly smaller as compared to a standard central ac filter. Because of this, they are made to be cleaned regularly instead of disposed of. Since the unit is much smaller in size, the filters also tend to collect dust buildup much faster than a central unit. This is another reason they are designed to be reusable, saving a significant; amount of money in the replacement costs that would potentially be involved if they had to be changed out on a regular basis.
How Do They Work?
The majority of window unit filters look like nothing more than a thin sheet of stretchy grey foam. The filter media is designed to trap dust and other particulates in order to keep them from passing back into circulation. The more dust and debris is allowed to collect on the filter, the poorer the quality of air will be that the unit pushes into the room. A clogged filter can also cause the unit's efficiency to decrease, forcing the unit to run for a longer period of time to reach the desired temperature. By keeping the filter as clean as possible, you will not only help to keep the air as clean as possible, you can also help to reduce the energy usage of the unit itself.
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