5 Reasons Why You Should Regularly Change Your HVAC Air Filter

One of the most frequent pieces of advice HVAC experts give is this: check your air filter frequently, and change it regularly. Given how complex your home’s heating and air conditioning system is, you might wonder how something as simple as an air filter could be so important. You can think of the air filter like a mask over your HVAC system’s “mouth,” preventing dust, hair, and other airborne particles from entering it.

WHY CHANGING YOUR AIR FILTER IS IMPORTANT

Air filters are made to get dirty. However, when they get overly clogged with dust, there are negative repercussions.

1. Your HVAC system won’t get enough airflow.

Your system sucks in air from your home through a return vent, and that’s the air it heats or cools. When dust is clogging the air filter, your system can’t pull in an adequate amount of air to operate efficiently.

2. Your system will struggle to reach your desired temperature.

Without adequate airflow moving through it, your HVAC system’s components will struggle to perform their functions. That means they’ll have to work longer and under harmful conditions to reach your thermostat temperature. Over time, this puts unnecessary wear and tear on the equipment.

3. Your energy bills will increase.

As explained above, a lack of airflow caused by a dirty air filter makes your system less efficient. Because your system has to work longer and harder to make your home comfortable, it will use up more energy than it would need to with a clean filter.

4. Your equipment will be at a high risk of breaking down.

Inadequate airflow can cause your system equipment to overheat, ice over, or wear out much sooner than otherwise. Multiple components can break down, and you can end up with a major repair to deal with.

5. Your system won’t last as long.

Brand new HVAC units are among the most expensive home necessities you will buy. That’s why you want to get the most bang for your buck and do what you can to make that equipment last as long as possible. Low airflow can shorten your HVAC system’s lifespan, and before you know it, you’ll need to replace your system all over again.

BOTTOM LINE

Check on your air filter frequently to make sure it isn’t clogged with dust, and never leave it in longer than the timeframe the manufacturer recommends.



At Tom's Mechanical, Inc., we’ve been proudly serving our customers since 1960 with expert HVAC services. If you need a system repair, replacement, or preventative maintenance in Arlington or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (972) 388-3669 or contact us online.