Most Chester, South Carolina homeowners aren’t regularly thinking about their heating and air conditioning systems. The only time most people ever really think about their HVAC systems is when they break down or stop functioning properly. Do you know that one of the biggest sources of a HVAC system complication or failure is clogged/dirty air filters? Something so simple and small can have a huge impact on the overall efficiency and operation of your heating and air conditioning system. Crazy right? Keep reading below to find out what happens to your home and your HVAC system when you ignore your air filters for too long.
How Do Air Filters Work & What Do They Do?
Air filters are typically made from spun fiberglass or pleated paper and then surrounded by a cardboard frame. They are inserted into a specific place in your HVAC system and act as a barrier to prevent pollutants and other particles from circulating in the air inside of your Chester, SC home. They even help to prevent contaminants from reaching sensitive parts of your heating and cooling system. Some of the most common pollutants that air filters
How Often Should I Change My Air Filters?
The frequency in which you need to change your air filters will vary depending on the amount of use your HVAC system gets as well as your Chester, SC home environment. Most manufacturers recommend changing them out every 30-90 days. Things like the number of people, the number of pets, your lifestyle, etc. can affect how often you need to change your air filters. We suggest checking them once a month and then evaluating and assessing whether or not they need to be changed.
What Happens When I Ignore My Air Filters?
Increase in Energy Usage & Higher Energy Bills
When your air filters are clogged, it makes it harder for your heating and air conditioning equipment to work because air cannot easily flow through the system. Because your HVAC system is having to work harder, your energy usage increases as well as your energy bills.
Poor Temperature Regulation
Since your clogged filters force your HVAC system to work harder, your Chester, SC home comfort will also suffer. Because your system is straining to create proper airflow, warm or cool air cannot adequately go where it is needed. This means that some of the rooms in your home could be too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.
Decreased Indoor Air Quality
Your air filters trap harmful contaminants from circulating throughout the air inside of your Chester, SC home. When they are dirty and clogged, they can no longer trap these pollutants as efficiently as they once could. That means your home indoor air quality will suffer and your family members could experience respiratory problems.
HVAC System Failures
Since your heating and cooling system is having to work harder and put in more work to provide comfort to your Chester, SC home, it’s dealing with a lot more stress and added wear and tear. Dirty air filters can increase the chance of HVAC system failures and breakdowns due to the added work and stress.
If you haven’t changed the air filters in your Chester, SC home lately, it would be a good idea to inspect them and see if they need to be changed out. If you are worried about the condition of your HVAC system or have any general heating and air conditioning questions, give Cudd Heating & Air Conditioning a call today!