Air Filters
Do you need to be changing your air filter? How often? Read below to learn everything you need to know!
One of the simplest and most effective things you can do to keep your heating and air system operating well is changing your air filter. This simple maintenance act is often overlooked and can lead to many problems in the home.
If You Neglect To Change Your Air Filter:
Your Filter Can Become Clogged
Your filter catches many airborne pollutants including dust, pollen, dander, hair, mold, lint and numerous others. When you don’t change your filter these can build up and cause a complete airflow restriction. Airflow is one of the most important aspects of a heating and air system.
Air Quality Can Decrease
When a filter becomes clogged, pollutants can force their way around the filter and recirculate into the house. This can cause the air to become unhealthy. This can make conditions such as allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions worse and cause symptoms such as headaches and irritated eyes in certain instances.
Poor Airflow Results in Longer Run Times
A clogged filter results in decreased airflow throughout the unit. A decrease in air flow means that it will take longer for your unit to reach the temperature it is set at, resulting in longer run times and a less comfortable living space. Your system will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Your System Will Be Less Efficient
Your system will have to use more energy to heat or cool your home. This will result in higher energy bills. Energy Star reports that airflow problems can reduce system efficiency by 15%. This makes it more expensive to operate your system.
Your System Will Wear Out Prematurely
With your system working harder to heat or cool your home, the components will be put under additional strain that can make them wear out prematurely. This can result in costly repairs and unit failure. It is far cheaper to replace an air filter than risk larger repairs.
Evaporator Coil Could Freeze Up
When air from the conditioned space doesn’t flow over the evaporator coil as designed, the evaporator coil can freeze up. This creates additional airflow restrictions and renders the unit incapable of removing heat in cooling mode. This can also result in water damage to the unit and nearby area.
These outcomes can be easily prevented by simply changing your air filter regularly. The frequency with which your filter needs to be changed depends on a few factors. While you should always follow manufacturer recommendations. in general, filters should be changed every 30-90 days.
The frequency can be affected by things such as:
How many people are in the space - more people will require more frequent filter changes than a single occupant
Pets also necessitate more frequent filter changes
Environmental factors such as living in a dusty or high-pollution area may necessitate more frequent changes
Those affected by allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions should consider changing filters more frequently
Energy star recommends changing filters every 30 days for maximum air quality and efficiency. When changing your filter, set reminders on your calendar or phone so that you don’t miss upcoming filter changes. It is also a good idea to write the installation date on the side of the filter in case you forget when you last changed it.
If you haven't changed your filter in a while and it has become clogged, call Marlin Heating and Air LLC. We will perform a system analysis and clean out your system to ensure optimal performance. Don’t want to keep track of your air filter replacements? We can set up a maintenance contract with you so that you don’t have to worry about your heating and cooling system. We’ll handle it for you!
Schedule your maintenance appointment with Marlin Heating and Air TODAY!