If your AC and heating system is giving you problems, it may be due to your air filters. Air filters should typically be replaced once every 1-3 months depending on your filter type how much debris and dust is built up in the system. If you have a dirty air filter, your unit may run into both short-term and long-term problems. Natchez Heating & Cooling is here to share what might happen if your air filters don’t get changed often enough.
Increased Utility Bills
Your HVAC unit’s job is to keep your home at your desired temperature, but it’ll be hard for your system to push air out when the air filter is covered in dust. That’s because your system will have to blow air through the space between the dust to get your home to the temperature you want. Because it will continue to push out air until it reaches the rooms in your home, your unit will use up more energy than it would with a clean filter. More energy leads to a higher cost to keep your unit running. It’s always best to clean out your filter before your utility bills start to climb.
Lower Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is very important for your home. If your air vents are clogged with pollutants, they can contaminate the air in your home. This leads to an increase in seasonal allergies and other symptoms like eye, nose and throat irritation. These pollutants include:
- Pollen
- Dust
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Bacteria
If your filter can’t remove these pollutants from your system, they will continue to circulate around the house. Poor indoor air quality can lead to many health risks for you and your family if left untreated. Keep your home’s air in great condition by changing out your air filters.
Unpleasant Odors
When you have a build-up of pollutants in your system, your home can start to smell. A clogged air filter will retain not only debris but also moisture. Moisture build-up in your vents can produce mold and mildew in your home which can impact the smell. These growths can have a serious effect on your home, and it’s best to get them removed as soon as possible. To prevent mold and mildew from growing in your home, clear out your filters, and get your air circulating again.
Future Repairs
While it seems like such a small task to do, changing your air filters is very vital to your heating and cooling system. Replacing your air filters is part of your routine preventative maintenance. This ensures that all your parts are in good condition and won’t affect any other parts in the system. Just like how worn-out parts can damage your system, your HVAC filter can also have the same effect.
Clogged air filters can have a heavy effect on your system. It will have a hard time pushing out air through the debris build-up and could force your HVAC system to overwork. Some damage you could experience includes:
- Water leaks
- Poor indoor air quality
- Overheating
- Short cycling
If you start noticing problems with your unit, this may be a sign that your filter needs a replacement. However, to avoid costly repairs and other problems, it’s best to make sure your filter is being replaced regularly.
Schedule Professional Service In Natchez
If you need help getting an HVAC filter replacement, talk to our specialists at Natchez Heating & Cooling. We help both new and returning clients get their systems up and running again. Changing your air filter can be done at home, but you can always contact a professional for help.
If you need assistance with your air filters or you’re looking for additional services such as AC and heating unit repairs, contact us today!
