Do you get tired of changing the filter of your HVAC system all the time?

Among the other parts, this is the one that requires constant attention. Some filters can go months before it needs cleaning or changing. Others will have to be changed in less time than that. If you are a busy person, this task may seem too tedious and time-consuming.

Some people also think that their HVAC functions well anyway. Why do they need to take out the filter anyway?

If you understand the role of the air filter in your HVAC, you will realize the importance of changing it whenever it is needed. Clogged air filters are never a good thing. And the dangerous thing about this is that you will never see the negative effects until it is too late.

About the air filter of your HVAC system

The air filter in your HVAC system is made out of pleated paper or spun fiberglass. It is enclosed in a cardboard frame that gives it form. This is inserted ina the HVAC and it serves as the barrier that will keep harmful particles from circulating your home. That alone should convince you that you should never falter in changing it whenever it is needed.

This air filter will clean the air that goes in and out of the HVAC system. This means the air that will circulate in your home will be free from dust, lint, hair, mold, bacteria, pollen, animal hair, and so much more. It is solely responsible for making sure that you and your family are breathing high-quality air at home.

If you fail to clean the air filter, all the contaminants that it blocked will continue to cling to it. Soon, the dirt will be too much that it will start compromising the air that will circulate in your home – if the air can penetrate at all. When the buildup is too much, it might be difficult for the air to go through. This will affect the temperature in your home.

Effects of clogged or dirty air filters

There are several negative effects if you do not change the air filters of your HVAC system regularly. Here are some of them.

• High energy consumption. Since the clogged air filter will keep the air from passing through, the HVAC system will have to work harder to reach the right temperature in a room. This will cause your energy consumption to go high. In effect, it will make your energy bills go up.
• Failure to regulate temperature. With the airflow unable to go through the air filter, it will be harder to meet the desired temperature. The warm or cool air will not circulate properly. It will either be too hot or too cold.
• Trigger respiratory problems. All the dirt that the air filter caught will still be there if you do not clean it. That means the passing air will go through all the dirt. Eventually, some of these particles will break off and be small enough to pass through. That will circulate the room and can be inhaled by everyone in it. If there are people in your house with respiratory problems like asthma or allergies, these may be triggered. Not only that, dirty air can cause headaches and irritation to the eyes and throat. There could be long term effects if you do not do something about the quality of air that goes around your home.
• Compromise other parts. When the air filter is not clean, it can lead to problems for the other parts like the furnace and coils. Do not skip on spending for the air filter. It is probably the cheapest part of the HVAC system.

About changing the HVAC system’s air filter

The frequency of changing the air filter will depend on the situation in your home. For instance, if you have a lot of pets, you might have to change the filter every two months. If you have a lot of pets and you or someone in the house has allergies, change the air filter of the HVAC system once a month. In case there are no respiratory problems or pets in the house, you can change the air filter every 3 months. If it is a vacation home or if the house is not used regularly, then changing the filter can happen every 6 to 12 months.

Changing the air filter will also depend on what you have. There are air filters that you can clean on your own and put back without difficulty. Some cannot be cleaned and will have to be replaced with a new one.

Make sure to consult the manual of your HVAC system. This will ensure that you will not make a mistake in cleaning or replacing the air filter. Take note that there are air filters that only requires a professional to handle it. This is usually for the older models. While they are there, you might want to have them check the whole system to see if other problems need to be addressed. And if you need help replacing your filter, make sure to contact Air America.