Why Air Filters Need to Be Routinely Replaced

Writer • Mar 30, 2021

The last thing anyone needs is yet another item on their to-do list, but replacing your HVAC air filters in Portage, MI is a task you can’t skip. Replacing or cleaning your air filters helps keep your indoor air quality at a healthy level, and will help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Read on to learn more about how air filters affect your system performance.

How often do I need to replace my filters?

Generally, most air filters should be replaced every three months. However, if you have specialty air filters, or you live with someone who has allergies or respiratory issues, you need to change them sooner. Most people who are sensitive to poor indoor air quality need to change their filters monthly or once every 60 days.

There are plenty of filter options, depending on your system and specific needs. Some filters are washable, which cuts down on the number you need to buy. Others are specifically manufactured to last for longer periods of time, or can filter out allergens.

Why is it so important to change my filters?

Here’s a closer look at some of the key benefits associated with changing your air filters:

  • Dirty filters make the blower work harder: When your filter is dirty, it’s harder for the air to pass through. That means your blower has to work harder to push the air through the filter. This takes more energy, which is reflected in significantly higher utility bills.
  • The air may not be evenly distributed: The harder your blower has to work, the less likely it will be able to evenly distribute heated or cooled air around your home. Your thermostat might not sense that a certain temperature has been reached, so it will continue operating indefinitely. Again, that leads to high energy bills—and also puts excessive strain on the motor.
  • Your HVAC system may freeze or overheat: If the air can’t easily travel out of your HVAC system and into your home, it’s easier for the entire unit to freeze or overheat. It’ll keep trying to heat and cool your home, but won’t be able to change the indoor air temperature.
  • Dirty filters encourage mold and bacterial growth: Even if you don’t suffer from allergies and respiratory issues, dirty air filters can harm your health. The extra material that collects in the filter, like dust and other particulate matter, can trap moisture. In turn, bacteria and mold will grow, and the air will blow those contaminants into your home.
  • Your indoor air quality will suffer: Finally, your indoor air quality suffers when you don’t change your filters. You’re more likely to breathe in dust, bacteria, mold and tracked-in pollen. The air might smell bad (musty or like burning dust), and you’ll probably notice more dust on your household services.

As you can see, replacing your air filters affects more than the indoor air quality in your Portage, MI home—but that’s nothing to sneeze at on its own, either.

For help with your HVAC unit, including service and repairs , call All Brands Heating & Cooling today.

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