Why It’s So Important to Change Your Goodman 5 Ton AC Unit’s Air Filter [And What to Look for]

There’s not a lot of in-depth maintenance you can provide for your Goodman 5 ton AC unit at home unless you have the right tools and experience making repairs to HVAC systems. Realistically, the same could be said for AC units of any size.

All the same, something you will notice time and time again are repeated claims that it’s critically important to replace your air filter periodically. Anyone can do it at home, usually without any tools (sometimes you need a Phillips head screwdriver to access the filter, but the filters themselves slide in and out of their receptacles without tools) and the process couldn’t be easier.

But is it really that important to change the air filter in your air conditioning system or air handlers all that frequently? Or is it just something that gets hyped up excessively because it’s so easy to do?

In a word, yes, it is that important. Here’s why.

What Does a Goodman 5 Ton AC Unit Air Filter Do?

An HVAC air filter, such as one for a Goodman air conditioner, is a small cardboard frame held rigid by a lattice of light wire that holds a corrugated sheet of porous, fibrous material. The blower motor forces air through the AC air filter in one direction. The mesh panel of the air filter catches and traps dirt, dust, dead skin, pollen, spores, hair, dander, mold, smoke, and other airborne detritus, removing them from the circulation of the air in your home.

As a result, the air filter is your AC system’s first line of defense against pollutants in the air, and its use helps to continuously clean the air in your home. Over time, the filter will become clogged with all of these pollutants, darkening its color. A dirty air filter will look brown, gray, or even black, and will cease to operate efficiently.

Let’s take a closer look at some benefits of routinely changing the air filter in your Goodman 5 ton AC unit - or any AC system you have.

1.Changing the air filter regularly provides optimal performance

The dirtier your air filter is, the more clogged up it is, the harder your air conditioner’s blower will have to work to circulate air through the ductwork in the house to keep you and your family cool. The first and best reason to keep your air filter fresh is to secure the efficient operation of your AC system. If you enjoy cool air, switch out your air filter as needed, and every few months at most!

2.Protect your health and the health of your family

Since your air conditioner system removes pollutants from the air, as well as known irritants like pollen, dust, and even smoke, it’s the first line of defense for the quality of the air you and your family breathe. Worst of all, dirty air filters can trap moisture, which can lead to the growth of bacteria that can be spread through the air and can potentially cause illnesses.

3.A clean air filter can help keep maintenance costs down

Because your system will have to work harder to compensate for a dirty air filter, a dirty air filter may result in more breakdowns and more service calls. A clean air filter, by contrast, will remove some of the strain from your system, keeping everything in good working order. That’s not even to mention the fact that a system that works harder will result in higher energy bills!

4.A fresh air filter protects the longevity of the system

Not only will a clean air filter keep preserve the energy efficiency of a Goodman 5 ton AC system - it will also safeguard its longevity. The less a system has to work harder in the long run, the longer it will last. So really, by replacing your air filter routinely, you might just be keeping your AC system working longer.

5.A clean air filter means a cleaner home

Finally, if you keep your air filter clean, the air in your home will be cleaner. Even if no one in your family is particularly suspect to respiratory sensitivities, a clean air filter is better for everyone.

Time to Change the AC Air Filter? Here Are Some Signs

Now that you know just how important it is to keep a fresh air filter in your Goodman 5 ton AC system, here are some signs you need to look out for so you know when it’s time to change.

●The air just isn’t cold enough

One sign your AC system is working properly is if the air just isn’t cool. This could be caused by any number of things, but one of them could be that your air filter is so dirty it’s preventing air from being efficiently circulated throughout the home.

●There’s dust accumulated around or on the vents

Dust on your air registers is a telltale sign that your air filter needs to be replaced. Either it isn’t doing a good job of filtering air or it’s so clogged that the air is just passing through the ductwork dirty.

●You’re paying more than you’re used to

A dirty air filter can ruin the energy efficiency of your AC system. A dirty air filter can make your blower work harder, which will drive up your utility bills.

●You or someone sensitive is having allergy flare-ups

Another sign of a dirty air filter is if someone in your household that has allergies experiences more frequent than usual flare-ups - barring normal seasonality, of course.

●Check it - give the filter a look to see directly

This isn’t a sign, but you can skip the above tips and just check your AC air filter directly. Pull it out, and if it’s dark, brown, gray, or black, it’s time to replace it - yesterday.

If you’d rather be proactive than reactive, it’s a good rule of thumb for most suburban residences to change their air filters at least once every three months, or more if there are a lot of pets.

Contact Us for More Information

Looking for more tips and tricks for maintenance? Need some help changing your air filter? Get in touch with our specialists at 855-473-6484 and let us know how we can help!