What Happens if You Don't Change Your Air Filter?
If you don't change your air filter, it can quickly become clogged with dust and debris, preventing proper air filtration. This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure.
If you haven’t been swapping your air filters as frequently as you should, there’s no time like the present to start practicing this crucial maintenance step.
Below, we dig deeper into the effects of not changing your air filter:
1. Depleted System Efficiency
Your HVAC system works hard to keep up with the cooling and heating demands of your home, but when it has to work with a clogged air filter, the efficiency of your system decreases.
Think about it: when your AC has to push air through a congested barrier, it is forced to overwork itself to continue pushing that air through the clogged filter. Don’t make it excessively difficult for your heating and cooling system. Set your system up for success with a brand-new filter.
2. Expensive Energy Bills
When your HVAC system is forced to work overtime thanks to a clogged filter, you’ll most likely see it reflected in your monthly energy bill. A simple filter swap can save you from any unwanted surprises on your next statement.
3. Poor Indoor Air Quality
As we mentioned before, all kinds of contaminants can set up camp in your air filter. When you allow these particles and debris to build up over time, your air filter will no longer have the ability to trap additional airborne pollutants. The consequences of poor indoor air quality can be devastating to all, especially those with allergies or dust sensitivities.
4. Potential System Breakdowns
You may be surprised to discover that a dirty air filter can be a driving source behind a complete system breakdown. When your air conditioner is forced to run off a clogged filter, excessive stress is put on your system’s motors, potentially leading to system failure. When comparing the costs, it’s definitely cheaper to invest in a couple of air filters regularly than paying for an entirely new system.
Fresh Filters and Your HVAC System
Like most homeowners, you probably don’t pay much attention to your HVAC system until it starts malfunctioning or things come to a screeching halt. We’ll let you in on a secret: most of the time, these breakdowns stem from a clogged air filter.
While changing the air filter may seem like a simple task, it can often be overlooked and forgotten about for months. To keep your HVAC system running smoothly, among other benefits, it’s vital to swap your air filters regularly.
How Often Are You Supposed to Change HVAC Air Filters?
The allotted time between air filter replacements depends on several factors. When determining a schedule for air filter replacements, you should consider the following:
- Type of air filter you’re using
- Number of occupants and pets in the household
- Allergy sensitivities
- Respiratory conditions
All of the above factors contribute to how frequently you should be changing your filters. For instance, if your home has one pet, a good rule of thumb is to change the filter every 60 days. For homes with multiple pets and occupants, those with respiratory conditions, or family members with allergies, we recommend changing the filter around every 20 to 45 days. Suppose you have a second home you visit from time to time. In that case, you should make an effort to change the air filters every couple of months.
HVAC Maintenance in Central Jersey
If you need assistance with staying on top of your HVAC maintenance, Valairco is Central Jersey’s select team. We provide convenient and affordable maintenance options perfectly tailored to your home and budget. Give us a call today at (855) 661-3300 for more information on our services.