Did you know that clogged air filters can cause more HVAC problems than you might expect? It can be pretty scary what can happen when a filter gets too dirty. Have you ever stopped to think about what takes place when you leave your HVAC air filters unchanged for a long time? It may seem like a small issue, but air filters serve an important purpose in your HVAC system, and that’s by design!
Air filters are designed to protect your HVAC system. They catch dust, pollutants, and other airborne particles from your home, preventing them from causing bigger issues in your system. But they do even more than that! When an air filter does its job well, it also stops those pesky particles from floating around your home, keeping the air you and your family breathe much cleaner.
It’s easy to see how dirty air filters can really impact your indoor air quality and health. So, join your Upper Arlington Heating & Air experts today as we uncover the “scary” truths about what happens when you don’t change your air filter often enough!
What Are the Horrific Results of a Dirty Air Filter?
- Indoor Air Quality Takes a Hit: When your air filter gets blocked, your HVAC system can’t do its job right, and that means your indoor air quality (IAQ) suffers. Here’s what happens:
- Pollutants Circulate: A dirty air filter lets dust and other nasty particles float around your home, which you and your family end up breathing in. Not ideal!
- Dust and Debris Pile Up: You’ll likely notice dust collecting on your furniture and HVAC vents, making your home look less clean and causing you to inhale even more particles.
- Germs and Bacteria Spread: A clogged filter can turn into a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which can circulate through your home and worsen any respiratory issues you might have.
- Allergy Symptoms Can Worsen: If you’re dealing with allergies, a clogged filter can make things worse, leading to everything from a sore throat to respiratory infections. So, if you notice these allergen symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes, it might be time to check that air filter!
- Unpleasant Odors: A blocked air filter can lead to musty or bad smells in your home, depending on what’s trapped inside. Staying on top of your filter changes can help you avoid these yucky odors!
- Energy Costs Go Up: When your HVAC has to work harder to push air through a clogged filter, you’ll see an increase in energy consumption. Research from the Department of Energy shows that replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can cut your air conditioner’s energy use by 5% to 15%. So, yes, the numbers don’t lie!
- Higher Risk of System Failure: Ignoring those air filter changes can lead to more than just poor air quality and higher bills. If filters aren’t changed, your HVAC system ends up working overtime, which can put a strain on it and lead to costly repairs later on. And this is just scratching the surface of the issues that clogged filters can cause. Trust us—keeping up with those air filter changes is absolutely worth it!
How Often Should Dirty Air Filters Be Replaced?
Now that you know what happens when your air filter gets clogged, let’s chat about how often you should change it! Generally, the rule is to swap out your air filters every 30-90 days, but here are some easy tips to keep in mind:
- Seasonal Changes: A simple way to remember to change your filters is to do it at the start of each season. Many of us like to do a deep clean when the season changes, so why not add this quick HVAC task to your routine? It makes it a lot easier to remember!
- After Renovations: If you love tackling DIY projects or renovations, keep in mind that they can kick up a ton of dust and debris, which can quickly clog your air filter. So, it’s a good idea to replace your filters after these projects for a fresh start.
- For Pet Owners: Here at Upper Arlington Heating & Air, we’re all about our furry friends—they’re family! So, if you have multiple pets, you might need to change your filters more often. Pet dander and fur can build up faster than you realize, which can affect your home’s air quality.
Keeping your air filter clean is super important for your HVAC system and for breathing in fresh air at home. If you can spot when the filter is clogged and stay on top of your regular air filter changes, you’ll be on your way to creating a healthier space for your family and your HVAC system!
Upper Arlington Heating & Air is always here for you. We’d be more than happy to help you tackle any HVAC scare that threatens the integrity of your HVAC system! Call today at (614) 490-7507, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
