Clogged and dirty air filters can cause more HVAC issues than you might realize. There are several surprising consequences of having a filter that is too clogged. Have you ever considered what happens when your HVAC air filters go unchanged for long periods? While it may seem like a small issue, air filters play a crucial role in your HVAC system, and their design serves a specific purpose.
Air filters are designed to protect your HVAC system. They remove dust, pollutants, and other airborne particles from your home, preventing them from entering the system and causing bigger issues. But that’s not all! When an air filter works effectively, it also stops those unwanted particles from circulating throughout your home, keeping the air you and your family breathe cleaner.
Dirty air filters can significantly impact your indoor air quality and overall health. Join your experts at Westerville Air Conditioning & Heating today as we uncover the important truths about what happens when you don’t change your air filter as often as you should.
The Results of a Clogged and Dirty Air Filter
- Indoor Air Quality Is Reduced: A blocked air filter hampers your HVAC system’s effectiveness, resulting in poorer indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home. Here’s how it affects you:
- Pollutant Circulation: When an air filter is full of dust and other particles, it allows harmful pollutants to circulate freely in your home, where you and your family breathe them in.
- Dust and Debris Build-Up: A clogged air filter leads to dust and debris accumulating in your home. You might notice dust settling on furniture and HVAC vents, which not only makes your home less clean but also means you’re inhaling more particles.
- Spread of Germs and Bacteria: One serious but less obvious effect of a clogged filter is the spread of germs and bacteria. A dirty filter can harbor harmful microbes that circulate throughout your home, worsening any existing respiratory issues.
- Increased Allergy Symptoms: Clogged air filters can lead to various health problems, from minor sore throats to serious respiratory infections. If you’re having allergy problems, no matter what you try for relief, check your air filter. Symptoms from allergens like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes can worsen due to poor indoor air quality.
- Unpleasant Odors: A blocked air filter can create musty or foul smells in your home, depending on the trapped contaminants. Keeping up with filter changes can help you avoid these unpleasant situations.
- Energy Costs Are Increased: When your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through a clogged filter, energy consumption goes up. According to research by the Department of Energy, changing a dirty filter for a clean one can cut your air conditioner’s energy use by 5% to 15%.
- Higher Potential for System Failure: Lastly, ignoring your air filter changes can lead to more than just poor air quality and higher energy bills. If filters aren’t changed, your HVAC system works too hard, putting unnecessary strain on the unit and potentially leading to costly repairs later on. This is just a glimpse of what can happen to your HVAC system; many other avoidable issues can arise from clogged air filters. So, take our advice and stay on top of those filter changes!
The Frequency a Clogged or Dirty Air Filter Should Be Changed
Now that you understand the effects of clogged air filters, let’s discuss how often they should be changed. Generally, it’s recommended to replace your air filters every 30-90 days, according to industry standards. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when changing air filters.
- Seasonal Changes: A simple way to remember to change your air filters is to do it at the beginning of each season. Many homeowners like to start each new season with a deep clean, so adding this small HVAC task to your cleaning routine can help ensure you don’t forget. It’s that easy!
- After Renovations: If you regularly take on DIY projects or renovations, be aware that these activities can create a lot of dust and debris that can quickly clog your air filter. It’s a good idea to replace your air filters after completing these projects.
- For Pet Owners: At Westerville Air Conditioning & Heating, we adore our pets—they’re family! Just remember, if you have multiple pets, you should change your air filters more frequently since pet dander and fur can accumulate faster than you might expect, impacting your home’s indoor air quality.
Keeping your air filter clean is essential for your HVAC system and good indoor air quality. By knowing when your air filter is clogged or dirty and how to fix it, you can help create a healthier environment for your family and your HVAC system.
As always, Westerville Air Conditioning & Heating is more than happy to assist you. We will effectively help you eliminate any HVAC scares this season! Call today at (614) 810-0075, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
