Changing your AC filter is one of the easiest home maintenance jobs you’ll perform. It’s also one of the most important.
The air filter on your HVAC unit is what keeps dirt and debris from circulating throughout your home. It also protects the unit itself from this debris.
After about 90 days of use, air filters will have built up enough dust and particles to prevent clean air from entering your AC or furnace. This means it’s time to install a replacement.
If you typically put this off for months at a time, keep reading. We’re breaking down eight reasons you need to change your HVAC filters on a regular basis.
1. Increase the Lifespan of Your System
When you allow your unit to run for months at a time with a dirty air filter, you’re putting a strain on the entire unit. It must work harder to keep up with your heating and cooling demands. This can result in a few things.
First, different components inside the system will start to have issues due to overwork. They may also start accumulating dirt.
In addition, if your unit has to consistently work harder to cool or heat your home, there’s a higher chance it may overheat. If you have an older unit, you risk a complete breakdown, which means you’ll need a full replacement.
By changing the filter every 90 days, your unit will enjoy a much longer lifespan. Not only will it last longer, but it will also run more efficiently.
2. Reduce Monthly Energy Bills
Your air conditioner accounts for a large portion of your monthly energy bill. The more efficiently it runs, the less you’ll pay each month.
If you let your air filter get clogged up, your HVAC system will have to work harder. This results in higher energy bills. It’s that simple.
The problem is, you may not notice your unit working harder. This makes it easy to forget about changing the filter.
To avoid this, set an alert on your phone to install a replacement every 90 days.
3. Better Indoor Air Quality
It’s easy to think that when you’re indoors, you’re not getting exposed to poor air quality caused by pollution. However, it turns out indoor air quality is often two to five times worse than it is outdoors.
This is a major concern if you or someone in your family suffers from severe allergies. You need to do everything you can to keep the air in your home as clean as possible.
One of the best ways to do this is by changing your air filter on a regular basis. This ensures dust, pet dander, dangerous mold, and other allergens don’t circulate throughout your home.
4. Cut Down on Expensive Maintenance
The last thing any homeowner wants is to come home to an HVAC system that’s having issues. This is especially true in the summer or winter months when you rely on your AC or furnace to stay comfortable.
A great way to prevent unexpected repairs is to change your filter every 90 days. Doing so ensures your unit doesn’t have to push itself beyond its limits. It also keeps dust and particles off the internal components that help your system function properly.
If your HVAC unit requires a custom air filter you can’t get at the store, you still have options. There are easy ways to find filters that are made to order and sized to fit your unit.
5. A More Comfortable Home
All air going through the intake of your unit must pass through the AC filter. When the filter is clogged, this air gets blocked and can’t circulate into your home as easily.
Aside from causing your system to have to work harder, this also causes uneven air distribution. The result is poor climate control in your home.
You may notice drafty areas during the winter and warm air during the summer. On the other hand, by changing your filter on a regular basis, the temperature in your home will remain consistent.
6. Better for the Environment
You’re not doing the environment any favors by neglecting to replace your AC filter.
When your filter gets blocked by dirt and dust, your unit must work harder and come on more often in order to regulate the temperature in your home. This means more greenhouse gases leaving your house and entering the atmosphere.
It’s our responsibility to do what we can to minimize our carbon footprint. Changing your HVAC filter may seem insignificant, but it actually makes a huge difference.
7. Keep the Rest of Your Home Cleaner
When you air conditioner runs with a dirty filter, dust and other particles are getting sent out into your home. You probably can’t see it happening, but this dust is settling on furniture, drapes, and other things throughout your house.
If you find yourself dusting and cleaning more than seems necessary, there’s a good chance you need to start replacing your filter more often. This is especially true if you have multiple pets.
Keep a clean air filter in at all times and stop having to dust and vacuum so often.
8. Peace of Mind
One of the biggest benefits of changing your AC filter on a regular basis is peace of mind. You’ll know your unit is operating well and the air quality in your home is top notch.
You’ll also feel better knowing an unexpected breakdown is less likely to happen. This is extremely important if you’re on a budget and can’t afford costly repairs.
A new HVAC unit is a huge financial investment. Keeping up with filter replacement helps increase the longevity of your unit so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck without heat or cool air.
Avoid a Headache by Replacing Your HVAC Filters
Changing your HVAC filters is easy and affordable. However, neglecting them can result in a major headache.
Keep a clean filter in at all times and enjoy better quality air and a reliable HVAC system.
Find more articles on everything from home improvement to interior design.