Maintaining clean HVAC filters may not top most homeowners’ minds, but doing so could save a considerable amount of money. Check them regularly, especially during periods of increased usage, like summer. When replacing them, be mindful that more often may be required than usual.
If your filter becomes dirty, simply take the necessary steps to clean and rinse it in warm running water before allowing it to air dry before reinserting it. Here are several reasons why this simple action is so vital!
After reading today’s article, you can check out the following blog from River Valley Air Conditioning to learn more about how often to change your filter.
Clogged filters increase your utility bills
Air filters are essential components to the efficient operation of an HVAC system, but when they become clogged with dirt and debris, their role becomes even more crucial in recirculating warm or cool air throughout your house. As a result, your energy costs could go up significantly as more work must be done to recirculate air into every corner.
Filters are typically constructed out of fiberglass or pleated pads placed into frames with permanent or replaceable parts and used to filter airborne contaminants such as lint, fur, mold spores, pollen spores, hair, bacteria, and dust from entering our environment.
If these particles enter your vents and ductwork, they can wreak havoc with your system and lead to freezing evaporator coils or even total unit failure. Switching out your filter regularly helps prevent such problems while also helping lower energy costs and saving on energy bills.
Dirty filters reduce airflow
Like a dirty dust mask impedes breathing, an inadequate HVAC filter forces your HVAC system to work harder at drawing air through it – leading to higher energy use and utility bills as a result.
As well as negatively affecting airflow, dirty filters also wreak havoc with other components of the system, such as the evaporator coil, leading to problems in efficiency and costly repairs for households and businesses alike. This can prove extremely costly.
Filters must be changed regularly, or else dust and dirt will build up on them, restricting airflow through your system and potentially leading to fan motor failure. Overheating may occur as heat accumulates near heat exchangers, which could crack, creating fire hazards in your home while also releasing carbon monoxide gas into the air.
It’s essential that high-quality filters with at least MERV 7 ratings be selected for best performance in order to minimize dust build-up, so make sure your filters are regularly changed and choose one with such ratings for best results!
Dirty filters can lead to allergies
Filters that become clogged reduce airflow, forcing the blower to work harder and reduce system efficiency, resulting in premature wear and tear, higher energy bills and intensifying respiratory problems for those living with asthma or allergies. This may negatively impact system efficiency and increase energy bills significantly – all of which may negatively impact respiratory issues in your household.
Your HVAC filter’s primary job is to capture dust, dirt, mold spores, animal fur, microorganisms and bacteria before they spread throughout your home. Clogged filters cannot do this effectively, and allergens will continue to circulate freely, causing sneezing, itching, rashes or other symptoms in those living within.
If you suffer from allergies, upgrading to a higher MERV-rated filter could help improve indoor air quality while decreasing symptoms. These filters are specifically designed to capture more allergens for improved indoor air quality and reduced allergy symptoms.
Dirty filters can damage your furnace
Filters that become dirty make it more difficult for air to pass through them, forcing the furnace fan to work harder and use more energy in distributing air throughout your home. Over time, this reduces efficiency and leads to higher electric bills during winter.
Over time, a dirty filter can have serious repercussions for the furnace. It may lead to overheating that will require repairs as well as short-cycling, wherein your heating system stops before fully warming your home.
A simple way to avoid these issues is to change the air filter regularly and maintain a clean ductwork environment. By doing this, you can keep your heating and cooling systems running effectively and improve the quality of the air inside your home for you and your family – not to mention saving money in the process! Can’t recall when was the last time you swapped out your furnace’s air filter? It may be time.
