If you don't replace your air filter, it can quickly become clogged with dust and debris, preventing proper air filtration. This can lead to a variety of problems in your air conditioning system, such as system inefficiency, increased energy bills, inadequate air quality, and, ultimately, faults. Homeowners who ignore the filters in their heating and air conditioning systems risk increasing energy costs, damaging expensive equipment, and decreasing indoor air quality and personal health. Another consequence of not changing the air filter is that the dirt that accumulates in the system restricts the flow of cold air. To understand more about how the air filters in your air conditioning system work and what can happen when they aren't changed on a regular basis, it is important to know that most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months.
Although it may seem like a small task, changing an air filter regularly is a simple way to make a big difference. Depending on the type of air filter you use, you'll need to follow different schedules to ensure that the filter always works for optimal performance. Air filters are usually made of spun fiberglass (the same that forms the insulation of the attic) or of pleated paper framed with cardboard for greater stability and rigidity. Pleated filters are usually better than non-pleated filters, as they allow more surface area to accumulate dust, pet hair, and other debris that floats in the air. If the air filter is clogged and can't trap pollutants like it did before, those elements can be left back in the air that everyone in the house breathes.
If the air filters are not changed and problems persist, the long-term effects could be respiratory diseases, heart disease, or cancer. The cost to fix this problem is higher than that of simply buying a new air filter every few months. But what happens if you let that time go by for a while? Before we talk about WHEN you should change your air filter, let's start with the WHY. You will no longer be able to filter the air properly, allowing dust and contaminants to enter the air conditioning system. Air filters usually have a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) that determines the type and size of the contaminants the filter will work against. Without adequate airflow, rooms farther away can remain cold in winter and hot in summer, while other areas receive most of the airflow. It is essential to replace your air filter regularly to ensure proper filtration of dust and debris from your home's air.
Not doing so can lead to increased energy bills, inadequate air quality, and even respiratory diseases. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to change your air filter every 90 days or 3 months depending on its type. This simple task can make a big difference in your home's comfort level and health.
