Consequences of a Dirty HVAC Filter

Air filters are usually made of rotated fiberglass or pleated paper and are bordered by a cardboard structure.

Many homeowners only pay attention to their HVAC system once it faces a serious problem or fails. Despite being one of the most significant systems in the home, it’s also one of the most hidden, operating mostly behind walls. However, the potential problems of an HVAC system can be expensive and complicated to resolve, so homeowners should ensure they regularly check in on their system. One of the easiest and quickest ways to prevent issues is to check, clean, and replace the air filters, as an obstructed air filter is one of the most common yet simple problems an HVAC system faces.

How air filters work

Air filters are usually made of rotated fiberglass or pleated paper and are bordered by a cardboard structure. They are inserted in the A/C systems and act as an obstacle to stop contaminants and debris from flowing into the air or reaching delicate parts of the system. A few of the usual particles the filtering system blocks are dirt, pollen, dust, mold, hair, pet hair, and germs.

How often a filter should be changed

Each filter is unique and requires slightly different care, but the most important rule of thumb is to check in regularly and clean or replace the filter if it’s obstructed by dirt, dust, or other particles. Most manufacturers advise that standard filters are changed every 30 to 60 days, but other circumstances could influence that timetable. For example, a filter in a typical home with no animals should be altered every 90 days, while homes with pets should be checked every 60 days. However, the filter should be cleaned or changed every 20 to 45 days if several animals or people with allergies reside in the home. Single-occupant homes with no pets or residencies that do not experience much use can generally wait six months to one year before changing the filter.

The risk of not changing the filter

When air filters are not regularly cleaned or changed, they accumulate dirt, dust, or other particles that restrict airflow. Impeded airflow can lead to issues such as increased electric bills, irregular temperature levels, unhealthy air quality, furnace failure, and clamped-up coils. These issues are significant, especially compared to the ease of changing or cleaning the air filter and preventing them.

While it’s an easy task to overlook, ensuring that the air filter in the HVAC system is attended to regularly is the surest way to increase the longevity of the entire system and avoid potential issues that could decrease the quality of life in the home. Air filters can be easily attended to independently, but professional HVAC companies can also assist and ensure the system is in strong working order.