Changing your HVAC system’s air filter is a simple, five-minute, cheap task. Unfortunately, many homeowners put off replacing their air filter for months and months if they even get around to it at all.
Our HVAC pros at Super Heat & Air discuss the real cost behind ignoring this simple maintenance task. Hint: it could cost you big time!
The Importance of Changing Your Air Filters
HVAC filters should be replaced every 30-60 days, even more often if you have pets or high humidity in your home.
Changing your air filter is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently all year long. Plus, it can have a positive impact on your energy costs too.
Keep reading to learn the top ways in which a dirty old air filter can cost you money!
#1. Dirty Air Filters Increase Your Energy Costs
Your central air conditioner depends on the constant recirculation of air to run properly. When the airflow is impeded by a dirty or clogged air filter, your system will struggle to cool your home, requiring more energy to run.
The inefficiency will intensify as the air filter becomes more clogged. Simply put, anytime your system must work harder than necessary to cool your home, it is costing you on your electricity bill not to mention the wear and tear to your system!
#2. Dirty Filters Can Cause System Problems
If your air filter gets too dirty during the summer cooling months, the lack of airflow could cause your evaporator coils to freeze up. The frost build-up on the coils or fans makes it more difficult for your AC to remove heat from the air and adequately cool your home. It may even result in a total breakdown that is stressful and costly!
A clogged air filter can also cause the evaporator coil to get caked with dust, mildew, and bacteria. This makes it harder for your AC to effectively control the indoor temperature of your home and regulate humidity. It will also send these allergens throughout your home in the air that you and your family are breathing. Yuck.
#3. Reduced Airflow = Strain on the Blower Fan
Blower fans are designed to push air through the air filter, but if it is clogged with too much dust, dander, or debris, the blower must work harder to send air through the filter. This additional strain raises energy usage, resulting in a higher utility bill.
With reduced airflow, you may also experience hot or cold spots throughout your home. Ultimately, the blower fan motor can fail, resulting in an overheated system and a complete breakdown.
#4. Lower Air Quality
If your air filter is dirty, you can bet that the air you and your family are breathing is dirty too. An air filter is supposed to filter out microscopic particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, smoke, and bacteria. But a blocked air filter will recirculate those contaminants into your home, causing several health-related symptoms like headaches, chronic allergies, and respiratory problems.
#5. System Failure
All this strain on your HVAC can cause your system to stop working altogether. An overtaxed blower motor can give out entirely due to a dirty air filter, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs or a replacement. Changing your air filter every month doesn’t sound too bad now does it!?
Ways to Save
Besides changing your air filter, here are some ways that you can save on your monthly energy costs!
Have your HVAC inspected and maintained seasonally
Install a programmable thermostat
Seal windows and doors
Consider replacing an old HVAC unit with an ENERGY STAR-qualified unit.
Tampa HVAC Maintenance
Don’t let HVAC maintenance fall by the wayside. If you can’t remember the last time you changed your air filter, do it now and call our team at Super Heat & Air for a seasonal maintenance visit (813) 279-8213 . Trust us, your system will run more efficiently, and you’ll save on energy costs and repairs if you do!
