5 Reasons Why You Should Replace Your HVAC Filter
If you’re like many HVAC system owners, one of the things you probably don’t think about very often is your heating and air conditioning filter.
It’s there; it looks clean; why worry about it?
Well, in addition to trapping dust and other debris before they can pollute your indoor environment, a clogged HVAC filter also puts a serious strain on your system, restricting airflow and slowing down air circulation. That makes it harder for your HVAC unit to do its job, forcing it to work longer and harder to heat or cool your house—and sending your energy bills climbing into the stratosphere.
Because of that, most experts recommend that you change your HVAC filter at least twice a year, either when you have your furnace cleaned or once in the spring and once in the fall.
But there are other good reasons to keep your HVAC filters clean and fresh:
Reason #1 – You Get What You Pay For
A low-quality replacement filter may not do its job effectively, allowing harmful contaminants to slip through and into your ducts. Avoid cheap imitations at all costs.
You may be tempted by inexpensive HVAC filters on the shelves of discount stores, but resist the siren call of cheap prices at all costs. A low-quality replacement filter may not do its job effectively, allowing harmful contaminants to slip through and into your ducts.
At the same time, a cheap replacement filter may not be as durable or as efficient as a high-quality one – and that means you’ll have to change it more often, negating any cost savings.
On top of these problems, poorly designed HVAC filters can mean restricted airflow in your system, pushing your HVAC unit to work harder and longer. That makes a cheap filter doubly expensive in the long run.
If you have any concerns about the quality of your filters, look for a reputable replacement brand that has been certified by an independent testing organization such as CARB or Intertek .
Reason #2 – It’s Not Just About Efficiency
A clogged, dirty HVAC filter affects the airflow in your system, but it also affects air quality in your home.
When you turn on your furnace or air conditioner for the first time each season, have you noticed how much dust comes pouring out of the vents? That’s because a dirty filter is trapping dust and other contaminants inside your ducts, allowing them to build up over time.
A clogged, dirty HVAC filter affects the airflow in your system, but it also affects air quality in your home. That means that a restricted airflow can increase your exposure to indoor allergens such as dust, animal dander and pollen – not to mention the spread of viruses and bacteria.
If you’re really sensitive to irritants, you may even experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny noses or sinus trouble. Fortunately, that’s one more good reason to change your HVAC filter on schedule.
Reason #3 – You Can Prevent Frozen Pipes
As anyone who’s experienced a broken water pipe in winter can tell you, extreme cold temperatures pose serious risks to your home’s plumbing system.
Frozen pipes are often the result of restricted airflow in your HVAC system, which decreases the efficiency of your heating system and prevents it from adequately warming your house. The warmer air that’s being pushed into your ducts doesn’t circulate properly, so it can’t reach all of the nooks and crannies of your home.
If you don’t replace your HVAC filter on time, the stagnant air in your system will stagnate even more – causing ice to form on metal components such as pipes and vents. Frozen pipes are not only inconvenient; they’re expensive to repair.
Reason #4 – Replacement Filters Are Not Expensive
When you consider the cost of your time, energy and heating or cooling bills, replacing your HVAC filter doesn’t have to be all that expensive after all.
The best HVAC filters can be pricey, but they don’t have to break the bank. You can choose to purchase quality replacement HVAC filters at your home improvement center or order them online through sites like Amazon .
And when you consider the cost of your time, energy and heating or cooling bills, replacing your HVAC filter doesn’t have to be all that expensive after all.
Reason #5 – You Can Save Money at the Register
Believe it or not, your grocery bills may go down when you replace your HVAC filter regularly. That’s because clean HVAC filters are more efficient, allowing the blower motor in your furnace or air conditioner to do its job with less exertion.
A cleaner HVAC filter also reduces the strain on your blower motor, extending its life. You’ll save on repair bills for both your filter and the blower itself.
Of course, this savings is only potential if you have a high-efficiency HVAC filter installed in your system. However, it’s worth noting that these filters are more expensive to purchase initially, but they pay off in energy savings over time. You can recover your initial investment within just 1-3 years, depending on your heating and cooling system.
The bottom line is that a dirty HVAC filter is bad for your home’s air quality and can lead to additional, costly repairs. If you’re not sure how often you should replace your filter, talk with an expert who understands the needs of homeowners in your area.
You may find it beneficial to replace filters on a quarterly or semi-annual basis depending on where you live and what type of system you have installed. When all factors are considered, it only takes about 5 minutes each time to change out your HVAC filter – so there really isn’t any excuse!
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in learning more about or if you just want some help implementing these principles into your own life, feel free to call us anytime. We’re always happy to help!