Clogged air filters can cause more HVAC issues than you might expect. In fact, there are several surprising consequences of having a dirty filter. Have you ever considered what happens when your HVAC air filters go unchanged for too long? While it may seem like a small issue, it’s important to remember the role air filters play in your HVAC system. Their purpose is carefully designed and essential.
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 they serve another important purpose! When an air filter works effectively, it also stops those unwanted particles from circulating in your home, helping you and your family breathe easier.
Dirty air filters can significantly impact your indoor air quality and overall health. Join your Xenia Heating & Air experts today as we uncover the scary but true consequences of what happens when you don’t change your air filter often enough.
What Are the Horrific Results of a Dirty Air Filter?
- Reduced Indoor Air Quality: A blocked air filter hampers your HVAC system’s ability to function properly, resulting in decreased indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home. Here’s how it can negatively impact you:
- Circulation of Pollutants: An overloaded air filter traps dust and airborne particles, allowing harmful pollutants to circulate freely in your home, which you and your family end up breathing 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, affecting cleanliness and increasing the particles you inhale.
- Spread of Germs and Bacteria: A congested air filter can also become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which can spread throughout your home and worsen respiratory issues.
- Increased Allergy Symptoms: Clogged air filters can trigger various health problems, from sore throats to more serious respiratory infections. If you’re facing allergy issues, check your air filter. Signs like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes are all signs of allergens infiltrating your home, and leaving it unchecked can worsen with poor indoor air quality.
- Unpleasant Odors: A blocked air filter can lead to musty or foul odors in your home, depending on the contaminants trapped inside. Regularly changing your filter can help prevent these unpleasant situations.
- Increased Energy Costs: When your HVAC system struggles to push air through a clogged filter, energy consumption rises. Research from the Department of Energy shows that changing a dirty filter for a clean one can reduce your air conditioner’s energy use by 5% to 15%.
- Higher Risk of System Failure: Neglecting air filter changes can lead to more than just poor air quality and higher energy bills. If filters aren’t replaced, your HVAC system will work harder, putting strain on the unit and potentially leading to costly repairs. This is just a glimpse of what can happen due to clogged air filters, so it’s essential to stay on top of those filter changes!
How Often Should Dirty Air Filters Be Replaced?
Now that you understand the problems caused by a clogged air filter let’s discuss how often you should change them. Generally, it’s recommended to change your air filters every 30-90 days according to industry standards. Here are a few practical tips for managing air filter changes:
- Seasonal Changes: A simple way to remember to replace your air filters is to do it at the start of each season. Many homeowners like to deep clean their homes with each new season, so adding this quick HVAC task to your routine can help you avoid forgetting it.
- After Renovations: When you take on home DIY projects or renovations, remember that these activities can create a lot of dust and debris that can clog your air filter. It’s a good idea to replace your filters after finishing these projects.
- For Pet Owners: At Xenia Heating & Air, we love our pets—they’re part of the family! If you have multiple pets, be sure to change your air filters more often. Pet dander and fur can build up quickly, impacting your home’s air quality.
Keeping your air filter clean is important for your HVAC system and ensuring good indoor air quality. By recognizing when your air filter is dirty or possibly blocked and knowing how to address it, you can help maintain a healthier environment for your family and your HVAC system.
Xenia Heating & Air is always ready and willing to assist you. Plus, we would be more than happy to help you get rid of any HVAC scare that dares come your way! Call today at (937) 708-8451, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!