3 Reasons Why Changing Your HVAC Air Filter Is Essential
The air filter is one of the easiest parts of your HVAC system to maintain, but it is also one of the easiest to overlook. Changing your HVAC air filter is a task that can greatly improve the health of your HVAC system and help to keep your home more comfortable with just a few minutes of work. Here are three reasons why changing your HVAC air filter is essential.
Maintain Indoor Air Quality
Removing dust, mold spores, and other contaminants from your home's air is your HVAC air filter's most important job. Without a clean air filter, these impurities that are naturally found in the outdoor air will make its way into your home. Your air filter also removes dust that settles inside of your ductwork and on the carpet and other surfaces in your home.
If your air filter isn't cleaning the air properly, you may notice more frequent allergy episodes and respiratory illnesses in yourself and others in your home. Keeping your filter clean keeps your indoor air quality where it should be so that your family isn't faced with these problems.
Prolong Equipment Life
An air filter that is clogged with dust and dirt can greatly reduce the amount of air that your HVAC system is able to circulate. In response to this, your system will continue to run until your home has reached the temperature set on your thermostat. The increased strain on your blower motor from long run times can drastically shorten its life, so changing your filter now could save you from costly repairs in the long term.
Avoid High Energy Bills
Long run times caused by a clogged air filter can put just as much strain on your wallet as your HVAC system. The longer that your furnace or air conditioner has to run to reach the desired temperature, the more you can expect to see your monthly energy bill increase.
If your bill is increasing due to a clogged air filter, it isn't likely to happen suddenly. The strain on your system will slowly increase over time as the filter becomes more and more clogged and airflow is gradually reduced. If the increase in your bill persists after you have changed your filter, there is probably another issue to blame.
Changing your HVAC air filter should be at the top of every homeowner's heating and cooling maintenance list. Be sure to check the condition of your filter if you notice any of these signs that it is time to change it. Reach out to a heating service in your area for more information.