We’ve all been there. We’ve snoozed the quarterly calendar reminder, or let it fall completely off our radar and stood in complete shock looking at the dirty filter resting when we finally get around to replacing it. Though often overlooked, changing your air filter is a critical step in your HVAC system’s maintenance. It may seem unimportant, but a dirty air filter can actually impact you in more ways than you realize.
Cleaner Air
A clean filter is a reflection of the air you are breathing. If you are 12 months into a single air filter, it is no longer able to perform the function of cleaning your air effectively. This can include anything from dust to loose insulation. Even when the filter is full, the air is still being pushed through. Dirty particles are going to get through and begin circulating throughout your home. Your lungs will pay the price for the unchanged filter and this can increase allergy symptoms. Additionally, you may be creating environments in your unit where moisture can linger causing mold to grow. Mold spores making their way into your HVAC system is unhealthy and can make you sick. No one should be breathing in mold, but this is what can happen when your air filter is left unchanged.
Reduced Costs
A clean air filter will ensure that your unit is running efficiently and using the least amount of energy possible. This is good for a number of reasons. First, the unit is not overworking to push air through a dirty filter and will ultimately last longer. Secondly, increased energy use directly impacts your monthly utility bills. Making it a priority every few months to change out your air filter can extend the life of your unit and reduce your monthly costs.
Temperature Regulation
A dirty filter also means that air is not circulating through your home evenly. This makes for uneven temperature regulation and causes your home to be less comfortable from room to room.
This uneven temperature is something that can cause homeowners a lot of frustration and many don’t realize this can be caused by a dirty air filter.
Having a clean air filter is critical to air cleanliness and proper HVAC function. Changing your filters regularly means you will ensure that your family is always breathing in clean air and that you are not spending a fortune on monthly utilities for a unit that doesn’t seem to keep your house comfortable. So stop snoozing that calendar reminder and make it a priority to change that air filter!
Do it the Right Way Advice From WK:
Changing your air filter every 30 – 90 days will ensure the best performance out of your system
