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Ignoring Your Air Filter
Your home's air filter helps to remove dust, allergens and more from all the air that passes through the system. These filters are typically light cardboard-and-wire constructs that are designed to be regularly replaced. After around six months or so, that filter is so filled with dirt, air has a tough time getting through and the unit can't really do its job anymore. That not only raises the volume of dust in your home, it also greatly decreases airflow and efficiency for your AC unit. You can improve energy use for your AC by 5 to 15 percent just by replacing a dirty filter, so make sure that you get a new filter a couple times a year and remember to check and change it after particularly dusty activities, like a big demolition and remodel.