At first glance, air filters might seem like a mundane and unimportant part of the average home, yet they are actually incredibly important to your overall health. Your home's air filter works tirelessly daily to keep you and your family safe from the many airborne toxins that can be circulating in your home. It bears mentioning that not all air filters are created equal! Keeping up with regular changes to the filter can make all the difference in ensuring that you have clean, healthy air throughout your living space.
Why Is It Important To Change Your Air Filter?
It's important to regularly change your air filter to have properly working and efficient HVAC systems. A clogged or dirty air filter can increase energy consumption for heating and cooling, as it impairs airflow. This results in the HVAC working overtime, leading to higher energy bills and reduced efficiency. Additionally, a dirtier air filter leads to poorer indoor air quality since allergens and dust are allowed to pass freely without the normal filtering they would receive from a fresh, clean filter. Changing the air filter regularly keeps your home comfortable while saving you money in the long run.
How often should I change my filter?
Changing your air filter should be something you make a habit of, as it is important for maintaining the air quality in your home. Generally, you should change your air filter every three months, but if you have a pet or someone in your home who has allergies or is immunocompromised, it is recommended to do it more often. The amount of debris and dust particles can quickly accumulate in the filter and diminish its effectiveness. Replacing the air filter will improve circulation and energy efficiency while ensuring good indoor air quality access.
What can be trapped in an air filter?
An air filter can be used to trap many pollutants in your home, including:
Lint
Dust/Dust mites
Pollen
Mold spores
Pet dander/hair
Smoke
Bacteria/Viruses
What happens if I don’t regularly change my air filter?
If you don't replace your home's HVAC air filter when necessary, the consequences can be serious and costly. The system itself can become clogged with dirt and other particles, reducing airflow and eventually leading to damage to key components, such as the compressor or evaporator coil. Ignoring a dirty air filter also stresses the blower motor, reducing its lifespan and causing it to run inefficiently compared to normal, meaning higher electricity bills for you.
What are the benefits of changing my air filter?
The regular changing of your air filter can help rid your family’s space of potentially hazardous ingredients—pollen, dust particles, mold spores—to minimize allergy and asthma flare-ups. Additionally, fresh air filters also serve to increase energy efficiency as clean filters can be up to 15 percent more efficient than clogged ones. When regularly changing your home’s air filter you are also more likely to avoid having to get costly repairs done on your home’s HVAC system.
For all of your HVAC needs and questions contact A-Anderson A/C Electric & Heating Company at (972) 833-8832!
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