Not Changing Your Air Filter Regularly? You May Regret It

The air filter in your HVAC system blocks particles like dust, animal fur, pollen, and lint from reaching sensitive components and circulating in your air. You’ll need to change it regularly to ensure optimal performance. So why exactly is changing your air filter such a big deal? Read on to learn the serious consequences of not changing your air filter.

Damaged Components

Eventually, the air filter fills up with captured particles. A clogged filter inhibits proper airflow over the evaporative coils that help remove heat from your indoor air to keep you cool and comfortable. Consequently, the coils become overworked and can freeze up.

Additionally, a clogged filter won’t remove contaminants from the air properly. It allows dust and other contaminants to get into your HVAC system. Dust will degrade your system’s moving components, such as fan motors and valves.

Increased Energy Bills

When there is reduced airflow through your HVAC system, the entire system is forced to work harder than necessary to distribute cool air or heat to where you need it. The runtime of the system increases, raising your energy bills.

Health Issues

If you have a clogged filter that can’t trap pollutants effectively and you don’t change it, you run the risk of allowing the contaminants back into your home’s air. These could cause immediate health issues, including:

• Itchy eyes
• Headaches
• Throat irritation
• Dizziness

In the long run, this indoor air pollution could result in heart disease, respiratory diseases, and cancer.

System Failure

Clogged air filters can make your HVAC system overwork itself and, eventually, break. You’ll have to shell out thousands of dollars to replace the whole system. Without regularly changing your air filter, you can shorten the life span of your HVAC unit by five to 10 years.

By ignoring your air filter, you risk damaging costly equipment, increasing energy costs, and diminishing your health and that of other members of your household. Avoid that by changing your air filter regularly. For more information on changing your air filter, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We are the Lorain area’s premier heating and air conditioning company, with more than 50 years of combined HVAC experience.