18 Feb What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Air Filters?
The Importance of HVAC Filter Maintenance
If you ever research HVAC maintenance, one of the most common tips you’ll read is to clean or replace your air filters. While they’re clearly an important part of your system, do you ever wonder why you need to clean them? If your HVAC works without it, do you really need to schedule a service call or go through the hassle?
Without a clean air filter, you do more than just reduce the quality of air in your home; air filters serve the important role of protecting your system against overheating and damage.
What Air Filters Really Do
Some people mistake their AC’s air filter for an air purifier; while standard residential air filters do collect quite a bit of contaminants from entering your home, their main purpose is not to improve your indoor air quality. In fact, you should invest in a separate air purifier to remove allergens and other airborne bacteria from your home.
The primary purpose of an air filter is to protect your ducts and HVAC system from being affected by dirt, dust, debris and other pollutants. Clogged air filters can result in mechanical failure, increased utility bills and, in serious cases, full-on breakdowns.
Why You Need to Clean Your Air Filter
Without routine cleaning or replacement, a dirty air filter puts your entire system at risk. As a result, your home’s comfort levels and even your family’s health are compromised. A lack of filtration from a dirty filter means that harmful bacteria, pollutants and allergens are being carried into your home, which can cause a variety of health complications.
In addition, dirty air filters cause your HVAC system to work harder, which raises your energy bill even if your general use doesn’t change. The air fans in your system will have to spin faster to work against a dirty system, which causes them to wear out more quickly and even break altogether.
How Often You Should Clean Your Air Filter
Most home air filters need to be fully replaced every 90 days, but you can clean yours once a month using the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner. If you’re unsure where your AC’s air filter is or need to know how to replace yours, contact Wahl Family Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We offer 24/7 HVAC and plumbing repair throughout Pittsburgh!