There’s a good reason that every HVAC professional, home improvement expert, and furnace manufacturer recommends changing the air filter at least every 90 days. It’s the single best thing you can do to keep your system in optimal condition.
Unfortunately, many homeowners ignore this sage advice or wait far too long between filter changes. Whether they aren’t aware of the effects of not changing the air filter in the house, don’t know how to change the filter, or simply don’t believe it’s necessary, the outcome is never positive.
As the leading provider of AC maintenance services in Bowie, MD, our team at S&L Air Conditioning and Heating often encounters customers who underestimate the importance of regular air filter changes. When we do, we explain the following potential impacts and encourage them to put this simple maintenance task at the top of their to-do list.
The Effects of Not Changing the Air Filter in Your House in Bowie
The standard recommendation for air filter replacement is every 90 days. For most units, the process only takes a few minutes, and the filters themselves are typically inexpensive and disposable.
But what happens if you don’t change the filter?
HVAC System Strain
HVAC system air filters catch and contain dust, dirt, and other debris in the air that enters the system, keeping the contaminants from landing on critical components and causing damage. One of the worst effects of not changing the air filter in houses is that it will eventually become so clogged that the air doesn’t flow freely into the system. This reduced airflow forces the unit to work harder to move air, which puts more wear and tear on the equipment and increases the risk of a breakdown or premature failure.
A clogged air filter can also cause the evaporator coils inside the unit to become coated with dust and dirt, which can eventually cause them to freeze over. When this happens, the system will stop working altogether until the coils thaw.
Increased Energy Bills
In addition to increased HVAC system strain, forcing the equipment to work harder by not changing the filter will lead to increased energy bills, too. As energy costs in Bowie increase, finding ways to make your home more energy-efficient is a growing priority, and keeping up with HVAC filter changes is one part of that. The harder the HVAC system has to work, the more it costs to run it, so stick to a filter change schedule and ease the burden on the equipment.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Your wallet isn’t the only thing that suffers the effects of not changing the air filter. Bowie homeowners and their families might experience an increase in allergy and respiratory symptoms as a result of poor indoor air quality.
Again, the purpose of the air filter is to capture contaminants, including mold spores, pet dander, and pollen, before they get into the HVAC system. When the filter is too clogged to catch anything else, those contaminants can circulate in the air throughout your home, making people sick. Therefore, it’s especially important to change the filter on a regular schedule if anyone in your home has a respiratory condition, like asthma or allergies, to stop allergen accumulation and keep them healthy.
A Dusty House
Even if no one in your family has allergies, dust buildup can be a pesky housekeeping issue — and one that a clogged air filter will only make worse. One of the effects of not changing the air filter in houses in Bowie is an increase of airborne particles throughout the home. These particles will eventually land on surfaces, and you’ll have to clean tables, shelves, other furniture, and floors more often.
Poor Temperature Regulation
Dirty air filters cause reduced airflow, which can affect the unit’s ability to move warm or cool air around your home. Ultimately, this means uneven temperatures, with some rooms feeling excessively warm and others too cold. Changing the filter can help ensure adequate airflow and an even, comfortable temperature in every room.
Get Help Maintaining Your Bowie HVAC System
If you aren’t sure how to change the filter in your HVAC system, need advice on the right intervals to avoid the effects of not changing air filters in your house frequently enough, or any other insights into keeping your Bowie, Maryland, HVAC system running flawlessly, get in touch with our team at S&L Air Conditioning and Heating. Our technicians are experts in all things HVAC, from types of refrigerant to thermostat installation, and we’ll help you get the most from your system.