Does changing the air filter only take place during twice-yearly maintenance visits by your HVAC technician? If so, it’s important to learn more about the importance of regular filter changes. Here’s how changing the filter impacts your HVAC system, your comfort and health, and how much you pay annually to heat and cool the home.
Energy Efficiency
The air filter is designed to keep dirt, dust and debris from entering the HVAC system. If the filter clogged up, particles can reach and accumulate on key system components. A layer of debris creates an insulating effect that blocks heat transfer. This reduces the system’s energy efficiency, which means you’ll pay higher heating and cooling costs.
By checking the filter once each month and changing it whenever there are visible signs of dirt, optimal efficiency is maintained and operating costs stay manageable.
When you’re choosing replacement filters, always check your equipment owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on size and type.
Indoor Air Quality
If the air filter isn’t replaced regularly, allergens and other unhealthy particles can build up in the ductwork. To keep the accumulated debris out of your air supply, you’ll have to pay for professional duct cleaning more often than is normally necessary. If dust, dirt and allergens circulate freely, indoor air quality suffers, and this can negatively impact the health of everyone in the household, particularly those with existing health problems, allergies and asthma.
Equipment Life Span
Running your HVAC equipment with a dirty filter compromises vital airflow through the system. As airflow becomes restricted, the equipment has to work harder and for longer periods to maintain your usual comfort level. This added strain can lead to overheating, causing costly equipment breakdowns or the premature failure of key components such as the fan motor, heat exchanger or A/C compressor. Keep in mind that installing a new filter with too high a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating can also restrict system airflow.
Along with regularly changing the air filter, Chesapeake area homeowners have other indoor air quality solutions available through Weather Makers. Contact us today at 757-263-4869 to schedule an appointment!