A clogged or dirty HVAC filter can cause severe damage to your entire system. It can affect your family’s health adversely, resulting in long-term consequences.
Changing the air filter regularly is a chore you may forget easily. The air filter is out-of-sight and can easily slip from the mind. It may even be obscure and tough to reach. Most HVAC filters need to be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations and your usage.
What Happens When a Filter Gets Clogged?
The air filter regulates the quality of indoor air in your home. It removes dust, pet dander, pollen, bacterial and fungal spores, smoke, etc., that may pollute your home. These particles build up in the filter, causing it to clog. If the filter isn’t changed in time, it becomes impenetrable by air. This can cause numerous problems for your health and the health of your HVAC system. A $15 to $30 filter protects an HVAC system that costs thousands of dollars.
If you forget to replace the filter, the results can be chaotic. Following are some points on the impact that a bad filter can have:
Health Concerns
The accumulated particles of allergens and microorganisms that were trapped by the filter can flow into your home in clumps. This can have a severe impact on your health, including allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or even heart conditions. The Journal of Asthma reported that a high-quality air filter can reduce the number of allergens and particles that trigger asthma attacks.
The bacteria and fungi may settle on the surfaces in your home, contaminating them. They may even make their way into your food and water, causing numerous diseases. Replacing the air filter within the recommended timeframe may improve the health of your family considerably and save you from frequent hospital trips.
Inadequate Heating/Cooling
If the filter becomes too clogged, the blower fan will not be able to push air through the filter and will result in restricted airflow. It will become harder for the HVAC system to reach the temperature you set on the thermostat.
Energy Inefficiency
A clogged filter can lead to a higher utility bill because the HVAC system will take up more power to run due to the resistance. The blower fan will have to work twice as hard to regulate air through your home. The monthly electricity bill will shoot up. According to the Public Service Commission, a clogged air filter is the second leading cause of high energy consumption.
Costly Repairs
The system may also overheat, which means that multiple issues may arise and need costly repairs. Operational problems are one example of such problems. The air conditioner evaporator coil traps heat from the air. If the air has a restricted flow, the coil may freeze and will not be able to trap heat. For heaters, the heating pumps are also affected due to a clogged filter.
If you wish for a Whole-House approach to an energy-efficient HVAC system, call up Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing for heating repair in Frederick, MD, and lower your energy bills while improving your health!