There are several reasons you should change your air filters on a regular basis. While some air filters are designed to last up to six months, others should be changed monthly, depending on the number of people and pets in the home.
Think about your air filters as a defense against contaminants and debris in the air you breathe. If you don’t change the air filters regularly, you are putting your well-being at risk.
Among all the things air filters do for your health, they also help the furnace run efficiently. If you have a dirty or clogged air filter, your furnace has to work harder to push air through it, which will decrease the efficiency of the entire system. We’re going to go over some of the dangers associated with neglecting to change your air filter as often as you should.
1. Your entire HVAC system could fail.
This is usually only true in extreme cases, but neglecting to change the filter could result in a total failure of your HVAC system, as well as causing several other potential issues. The buildup of debris on the filter will not only cause lower airflow in the system, but it could also trap in cold air and freeze the coils of your air conditioner, which could cause the unit to quit operating.
The filter also ensures the rest of the inside of the unit and the HVAC system is free of debris as well, which is why a clogged filter could cause irreversible damage to the system.
2. Your air quality will suffer.
When it comes to the health of you and your family, it’s important to realize how many contaminants and particles of debris are caught in the filter you’re using. Not only will the excess debris get trapped in the air filter, but it will start to build up in the entire duct system, which is designed to deliver the cleanest and highest quality air possible throughout your home.
If you are asthmatic or have any type of sensitivities to allergens, including dander and dust, there could be serious health issues involved if you neglect to switch out the filter. If you have any young children in your home with asthma or sensitivities, it might be beneficial to mark on the calendar when to change the filter each month, so you don’t forget. It would also be beneficial to make sure you have some type of infant and child training completed in the event of an emergency, such as PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), which is available for renewing licenses online on a regular basis.
3. Your bills could skyrocket.
Due to the fact, your system is working harder to push the air through a clogged air filter, your energy bills will increase. These increased operational expenses will only continue to go up if you don’t change the filter. With a clean filter, the air will flow through the filter easily, and you will immediately notice a drop in your utility bills.
Utility companies commonly advise their customers to do this when they ask how they can lower their utility bills.
4. Your blower fan could burn out.
A clogged air filter will make the entire system work harder, so it’s not uncommon for it to cause the fan motor to burn out early. An entire system replacement usually costs several thousand dollars, so in the grand scheme, it’s much cheaper and easier to change the air filter on a regular basis. If you change it, your HVAC system is expected to last much longer than it would if you neglected this task.
