Air filters are central to the health and efficiency of your HVAC system. Far too often, however, they are ignored and not maintained despite the damage it can cause to your system and home. Not only do these filters help to remove pollen and dust that would otherwise be recirculated throughout your home, but dirty air filters are the number one reason HVAC systems fail. Today, Superior Air Duct will discuss exactly why it is important you should maintain your air filters in your home.
The Role of Your Air Filter
All the air that passes through your HVAC first passes through your air filter. As the filter catches more and more particulates in the air — dust, mold, fungal spores, pet dander, etc — the fine mesh that the air passes through becomes denser. By not regularly changing your air filter, it becomes more and more difficult for air to pass through your HVAC system and can cause a whole host of issues.
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The Dangers of a Dirty Air Filter
If you let your air filter become clogged there’s a cascading effect that can result in some major problems in your home and HVAC system.
- Once the air filter is clogged, your HVAC blower fan has to work harder to push air through your ducts. Not only does this increase your energy bills, but it can also cause undue strain to your HVAC, decreasing its potential lifespan.
- The difficulty in moving air means that your home won’t get the cool or hot air you need to regulate your indoor temperature.
- As this air can’t travel out of the furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner easily, your HVAC system runs the risk of overheating or freezing up. As your system will be unable to reach the desired temperature, it will continuously run in an attempt to regulate your home’s temperature.
- With the blockage caused by the air filter, air cannot move as quickly through your vents. This causes these particles to settle and accumulate in your ducts. If you haven’t consistently changed your air filters, you will need to call professional air duct cleaning services, like Superior Air Duct, more often.
To avoid these problems, Superior Air Duct’s team recommends changing your air filters every month or two to prevent the buildup of these particles. If you have pets or live in a high-pollen area you may want to replace them even more regularly.
In Need of Air Duct Cleaning? Contact Superior Air Duct
If you have been lax about keeping your air filters regularly changed you’re very likely in need of a duct cleaning service from Superior Air Duct. However, even regular air filter changes won’t catch all of the dust and debris from entering your ducts. If you haven’t requested air duct cleaning in a while, contact us in western PA or eastern OH today. You can also call our team directly at 1-800-803-3828.
