A clogged air filter can lead to some pretty scary problems you might not even be aware of. We often stress how important it is to change your air filters on time, but do you know WHY it’s such a big deal? There are plenty of hidden reasons why staying on top of your air filter changes is a must. So, today, Delaware Heating & Air wants to highlight the not-so-fun consequences of skipping those regular filter changes.
What Happens When You Don’t Change Your Dirty Air Filters Regularly?
- Air Quality in Your Home – We get it; you might be thinking it doesn’t matter much, but that could not be further from the truth. This is because regularly swapping out your air filters really does make a difference. Air filters are there to keep dust and other pesky airborne particles from getting into your HVAC system. Plus, they help prevent these contaminants from circulating throughout your home, where you and your family breathe them in. By keeping up with your air filter changes, you’re setting your home and HVAC system up for success and improving your indoor air quality (IAQ). On the flip side, neglecting your filters can seriously hurt your home’s air quality.
- Energy Bills – Another thing that takes a hit is your energy bills. When an air filter is packed with dust and debris, your HVAC system struggles to push air through the vents. This extra strain means it has to work harder, using more energy and driving up those monthly bills. A study by the Department of Energy found that regularly swapping out a dirty, clogged filter for a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by about 5% to 15%.
- HVAC System’s Efficiency – Letting those air filters go unchanged for long periods of time can cause more than just poor air quality and higher bills. When a filter gets clogged, your HVAC unit has to work overtime to move air. This extra workload can lead to breakdowns, resulting in costly repairs down the road.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Dirty Air Filter Regularly?
- Pollutants and Contaminants in the Air – If you let your air filters go unchanged for too long, they can allow pollutants and contaminants to flow freely around your home. This includes things like mold spores, pet dander, and even tobacco smoke particles. These airborne nasties can lead to various health issues and annoying irritations like sore throats—definitely not what you want!
- Dust and Debris Buildup in Your Home & HVAC System – One of the most immediate downsides of a clogged air filter is that dust and debris start piling up in your home. If you’ve noticed your furniture getting dustier faster than usual and your HVAC vents are collecting dust, it means you’re breathing in these tiny particles all the time.
- Germs and Bacteria in the Home – Germs and bacteria might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they’re another scary result of dirty air filters. Those filters can become a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms, which can be especially tough for anyone with asthma or respiratory issues.
When Should You Replace Your dirty Air Filters?
- At the Start of Each Season or Every 30-90 Days – If you live in Ohio, you know how unpredictable the seasons can be. Seasonal allergens are pretty strong around here, so a good rule for homeowners to keep in mind is to check on the air filters at the beginning of every season. This way, your HVAC system will be ready for whatever the weather throws at it. One other solid tip is to change them out every 30-90 days (recommended per industry standards), though how often your home’s air filters may need to be changed can vary depending on how much you use your system, how many pets you have, and your lifestyle.
- After Renovations or Home Projects – Another great tip on changing air filters to keep in the back of your mind is that if you love tackling DIY home projects, it’s even more important to swap out your air filters. Home renovations can kick up a lot of dust and debris, which means your filters could actually get clogged up faster than usual.
Don’t forget; keeping up with your air filter changes is super important. Although you may not be able to see the negative side effects visually, they certainly exist. For us Ohioans, we know seasonal changes can really impact air quality. As always, regularly maintaining your air filters is key to keeping your home comfortable and your family healthy.
If you run into any HVAC scares, Delaware Heating & Air is always here to help you out! Call us at (740) 227-8302, or schedule a heating or cooling repair appointment online now by clicking here!
