Most homeowners don’t pay much mind to their air filters. Since it’s hidden away and out of sight, it’s easy to forget about it in the midst of the hustle and bustle of your daily routine. However, ignoring an old and dirty filter can lead to expensive repairs. The friendly folks at Super Heat & Air Tampa want you to know the importance of changing out your air filter and how to do it the right way!
What Does an Air Filter Do?
So, you know that air filters get dirty, but why? What purpose does a filter serve? Your air filter is the reason why you’re not inhaling dust and other harmful pollutants in your home. This is why it’s arguably one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. Contaminants that could circulate your air without a filter include:
Dust and dirt
Mold and mold spores
Lint
Hair and fur
Solid particles
Pollen
Various bacteria
What Happens When You Don’t Change It?
If you neglect to change your air filter, there’s more that can go wrong than just filthy air. Your entire HVAC system could suffer the consequences which can lead to expensive repairs and high energy bills from overworked parts.
A clogged filter could cause your HVAC to slow down, shut off, or malfunction since air won’t be able to pass through easily. The cold air created from passing through the coils can get trapped in the system causing ice to form on the parts and make them inoperable. Contaminants can also get past the ineffective filter and infiltrate the various parts inside your HVAC system.
How to Change Your Air Filter
Changing out your air filter is easy, but there are some steps you can take to reduce mess and save your lungs:
Turn off your AC unit first. Turning off your AC before you start the process will ensure that it doesn’t begin to run while the filter is off. Running without a filter can cause parts to overwork and break.
Contain the dirt and debris. Have a garbage bag ready to put the filter in as soon as you remove it. Dust easily comes off of the filter so less travel time in containing it will prevent a mess from taking over the room.
Don’t disturb the filter. When you remove the filter, it can be tempting to shake the dust loose. Letting all that dirt into the air can be very harmful to your lungs, so it’s better to just rush it into the garbage bag without taking any extra actions.
Secure the bag. Prevent dust leaks by making the bag nice and tight. Usually, the drawstring that comes installed in the bag is enough to contain the pollutants, but you can also use tape to close up any further gaps. The stickiness of the tape is great for catching dirt that could potentially escape.
Take it outside. Keeping the bag indoors could pose a health risk. If any dirt or debris happens to escape even after securing it, the contaminants will have nowhere else to go and infect your home. Immediately take it to the outdoor garbage bin to be safe.
Replace your air filter immediately! As mentioned in the first step, letting your HVAC system run without a filter is a quick way to break it.
Commit to routine maintenance. Check the quality of your air filter each month and change it out when necessary. Most filters are a bright color like blue or white so you will be able to tell if too much dirt and debris is taking up the space.
Does Your HVAC Need to Be Serviced?
Whether you need routine maintenance or repairs, Super Heat & Air Tampa is the place to go! We only hire the best certified technicians, and we have the best deals.
For only $14.95 a month, you can enjoy our membership plan which comes with two free air conditioning maintenance services a year which includes an air filter change. You’ll also get 20% off parts, labor, and other services!
