If you have an HVAC system in your home, you’re probably aware that it comes equipped with an air filter. However, you may not know how much your system depends on that filter to do its job properly. You can potentially avoid some major problems by taking the time to review the reasons for changing your HVAC air filter on a regular schedule.
Keeping Your HVAC System Healthy
Over time, the accumulation of materials such as pet dander and dust will eventually clog up your HVAC filter and impede the smooth flow of air through your heating and cooling system. One of the unwanted results of this air flow interference is reduced HVAC operating efficiency. In a worst-case scenario, your system’s efficiency could drop off by roughly 15 percent, and every percentage point of reduced efficiency will inevitably translate into increased utility costs.
Another factor to consider is the potential for damage to one or more components in your HVAC system. This possibility arises when loss of air flow caused by a dirty filter makes your system work harder to perform its job. While a malfunctioning component may still partially work, it may also break down completely.
Keeping Your Indoor Environment Healthy
The condition of your HVAC filter has a significant effect on your ability to maintain a generally healthy indoor environment. This is true, in part, because you rely on your filter to trap substances such as dust, pollen and pet dander, which can trigger allergic reactions or asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. The risks for these problems increase if your filter is too dirty to trap airborne materials. They also increase if your filter gets damp and acts as a breeding ground for the group of harmful fungi commonly known as mold. As a rule, HVAC filters become damp as a result of water condensation.
Scheduling Air Filter Changes
So, how often should you change your filter in order to maintain indoor air quality and preserve the health of your HVAC system? That depends. In the average home, filter replacement should occur roughly four times a year. However, your home may require more frequent replacements, especially if your HVAC system runs year-round, or if you own several pets, have respiratory problems or have a big family. The replacement schedule goes out the window in cases of mold growth or direct filter damage. If these problems occur, replace your filter immediately.
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