Did you know that a clogged air filter can lead to some pretty scary consequences? We often hear about how important it is to change your air filters on time, but have you ever stopped to think about why that is the case? There are a lot of hidden (and horrifying) reasons that show just how crucial regular air filter changes are. So, today, we at Eastland Heating & Cooling want to talk about the not-so-fun side of what happens when you skip those changes.
So, what happens when you don’t change your air filters regularly?
- Air Quality in Your Home – You might be thinking, “Really? Changing my air filters matters?” The answer is a big yes! Air filters are designed to catch dust and other nasty stuff from the air before it gets into your HVAC system. This not only keeps your system happy but also ensures that those airborne pollutants don’t circulate throughout your home, where you and your family breathe them in. Keeping up with your air filter changes means you’re setting your home and HVAC system up for success, which ultimately boosts your indoor air quality (IAQ). As a result, if you let those filters get dirty, though, your home’s air quality will take a hit – which is scary news if you really stop to think about it.
- Energy Bills – Let’s talk about something else that gets affected: your energy bills. When your air filter is jammed with dust and debris, your HVAC system has to work a lot harder to push air through. This extra effort means it’s using more energy, which leads to higher monthly bills. In fact, the Department of Energy found that regularly swapping out a dirty filter for a clean one can cut your air conditioner’s energy use by 5% to 15%. That’s a nice chunk of energy savings!
- HVAC System’s Efficiency – And it doesn’t stop there. Neglecting your air filters can cause more problems than just poor air quality and soaring energy costs. When a filter is clogged, your HVAC system has to strain harder to push air out. That extra pressure can lead to breakdowns, which means you’ll be facing some hefty repair bills. So, let’s keep those air filters in check and ensure our homes stay comfortable and efficient!
What Are the Horrifying Results of Not Changing Your Air Filter Regularly?
- Pollutants and Contaminants in the Air – If you leave your air filters unchanged for too long, you’ll find all sorts of pollutants and contaminants sneaking into the air in your home. We’re talking about mold spores, pet dander, and even tobacco smoke particles. Breathing in these airborne nasties can lead to health issues and irritations like sore throats—definitely not what you want!
- Dust and Debris Buildup in Your Home & HVAC System – One of the quickest signs that your air filter is clogged is that you’ll notice dust and debris piling up around your house. If your furniture seems to be gathering dust faster than usual, or your HVAC vents are starting to look dusty, it means you’re breathing in those tiny particles every day. Not great, right?
- Germs and Bacteria in the Home – Here’s another reason to keep an eye on your air filters: they can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. That’s not just a little gross; it can also be uncomfortable if you have asthma or other respiratory issues. So, it’s really important to stay on top of changing those filters!
When Should You Replace Your Air Filters?
- At the start of each season or every 30-90 days – If you’re from Ohio, you know how unpredictable the weather can be! Seasonal allergens are pretty common here, so a good tip is to check your air filters when a new season rolls around. This way, your HVAC system is ready to handle whatever the weather throws at it throughout the year. Plus, swapping them out every 30-90 days can help too! Just keep in mind that this can change depending on how much you use your system, how many pets you have, and your lifestyle.
- After renovations or home projects – If you love tackling DIY home projects, remember that it’s especially important to change your air filters afterward. Construction and DIY work can stir up a lot of dust and debris, which can clog your filters faster than usual.
Staying on top of your air filter changes is super important! As Ohioans, we know that seasonal shifts can really impact air quality. So, remember to keep up with this specific HVAC maintenance task; you can ensure your home stays comfy and your family (and HVAC system) stays healthy.
Eastland Heating & Cooling can help you tackle any scary HVAC disasters that head your way! Call us at (614) 861-5203, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
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