4 Risks to Your Help if You Don’t Replace Your HVAC Filter Regularly

After years of experience and hundreds of residential HVAC repair calls, we can say the top reason for making HVAC repair calls is poor maintenance demonstrated by dirty air filters. This is always surprising, since changing an air filter is inexpensive and very easy. A dirty air filter leads to serious problems; here are four of the most significant difficulties caused by a dirty air filter.

Replace Your HVAC Filter Reason 1: Poor Indoor Air Quality

The reason the air filter is in place is to remove airborne particles; dust, pet hair, dander, mold, mildew spores, and pollen collect on the folds of the air filter. Once the particles are removed, they will no longer circulate with every air conditioning cycle. Eventually, the surface of the filter will be completely covered by the particles. When the surface is covered, small amounts of dust will find a way around the filter, coating vital electrical parts. It also reenters your home. You will notice it as:

• An increase of allergens irritating eyes, noses, and throats of family members and
• The layer of dust on surfaces increases
• Can you locate the air filter on your air conditioner?

Replace Your HVAC Filter Reason 2: Impaired Air Conditioning Function

Your air conditioner moves the entire volume of your house every few minutes, and when the air filter becomes severely clogged, it restricts the airflow. This causes a few internal problems.

• The blower motor works harder to try to move air. Since cool air is not moving into the house, this causes the thermostat to call for more cool air. If the cycle runs long enough, the blower motor will overheat and shut off.
• The evaporator coil receives super-cooled refrigerant gas which cools the air and condenses the excess humidity from the air. When the air is not moving fast enough through the cooling chamber, the humidity freezes onto the coil. The air conditioning function grinds to a near stop.
• Have you checked your air filter yet?

Replace Your HVAC Filter Reason 3: Repair and Replacement

If a dirty air filter is still neglected, the stress leads to damage and damage will lead to failure. The stress on the blower motor and evaporator coil, along with the collection of dust inside the air conditioner cabinet will stress electrical components, such as switches and capacitors. While a technician can replace these parts, the stress may remain on surviving components.

These are serious troubles caused by a dirty air filter. Manufacturers, technicians, and even the Department of Energy acknowledge that poor maintenance, typified by a dirty air filter, will shorten the useful life of your air conditioner. The cost of replacing your HVAC system is staggering compared to the cost of regularly replacing the air filter. The normal life span for an HVAC is typically 20 or more; poor maintenance can reduce the life span by 5 years or more.

When was the last time you replaced your air filter?

Replace Your HVAC Filter Reason 4: Low Efficiency—High Utility Cost

When you understand how a dirty air filter is adding stress to your air conditioner, it will not surprise you to know a stressed air conditioner costs more to run. This stress will lead to a noticeable increase in the energy needed to run the system. The increase is gradual, so it is hard to measure. A new HVAC system (bringing new, more efficient technology) will heat and cool better, using about 30% less energy than the old system.

Air filters are readily available from hardware and home improvements stores. They are available in a variety of sizes and are rated according to the size of openings in the filter. Filters should be changed at least every 3 months—more if you deem it necessary. Plan to change your air filter regularly!

Need help on how to Replace Your HVAC Filter!

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and Air Conditioner lifespan, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC System Maintenance information page.