Experts recommend replacing air filters in home HVAC systems a minimum of four times a year, or once every three months—even more often if you have pets or allergies. Considering that a new air filter typically costs around $20, is it crucial to switch it out so often?
Dirty or clogged air filters can have a serious impact in more ways than you might expect. Here are five compelling benefits of replacing air filters more frequently.
Prevent damage to your HVAC system
Your HVAC system works by pulling air through the filter, after which it either heats or cools the air and blows it back out through a series of ducts. If the air filter is clogged or dirty, your system must spend more effort to complete the cycle. This causes wear and tear and stresses the working components until they overheat and ultimately fail. Keeping a regular schedule of replacing your air filters will increase the unit’s operability and make it last longer.
Improves home air quality
When an air filter’s too clogged, it doesn’t have any room for the dust particles it’s designed to keep out. Since they remain in the ventilation cycle, your HVAC will circulate them back into the rooms of your house. That can be hazardous or even fatal to those who suffer from respiratory issues or chronic allergies. Regularly changed air filters remove dust and debris so they don’t become part of the air circulation, thereby boosting the cleanliness of the air in your home.
Cuts down your energy consumption
Clogged air filters make your HVAC system work harder because the reduction in air pressure makes fans work harder and faster to move the air through. That process uses energy. The harder your fans run, the more energy they consume. Replacing your air filters regularly can cut your HVAC’s systems energy use by 5 to 15 percent, according to the Department of Energy.
Saves money
Your home’s HVAC system typically accounts for a huge share of the charges on your utility bill. Replacing air filters to keep your HVAC energy usage down has a direct impact on energy costs. Since air filters also help extend the life of and limit the damage to an HVAC system, they’ll help you save money on maintenance or repair costs—which can be monumental. New air filters typically cost around $20, so the expense of changing them three or four times a year is easily repaid with the money you save on energy.
Protects the environment
The Environmental Protection Agency names indoor pollution as one of the most significant threats to the global environment. Regularly changing air filters can lessen this risk. In addition to filtering out dust and pollen, a clean air filter can also inhibit the spread of pollutants like smoke, chemicals from cleaning products, and even particles produced by a gas cooking stove.
At Rowland Heating and Air Conditioning, we have you covered with our Ultimate Savings Maintenance Agreement where in addition to changing your filters and inspecting/tuning your equipment, you also get priority customer status, emergency service and discounts on repair.