The Consequences of Not Changing Your Air Filter

Is it just us, or has life been a little busy recently? Between changes in your home and work routine to a heightened awareness of germs, it’s easy to let smaller things fall to the wayside. We’re here to remind you, did you change your air filter this year? If not, it’s ok, just ask an HVAC technician when they come to your home. If you ignore your air filter and let things build up over time there could be major consequences to your home, health, and HVAC system. The air filter in your home has a crucial job and needs to be routinely replaced. Because we see so many homeowners let their filter sit for too long, we’re sharing the consequences of not changing your air filter.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

One of the worst consequences of not changing your air filter is poor indoor air quality. As we mentioned above, your air filter has an important job. It’s the first line of defense for clean and healthy indoor air. Most air filters live up to their name and catch things like dust, dander, and other indoor air contaminants. If your air filter is too full, all those contaminated particles would be free floating in your home, and in your lungs.

Higher Than Usual Utility Bills

A clean air filter helps your HVAC system run at maximum efficiency. Unfortunately, if your air filter is too old or too dirty, it doesn’t help your system. Instead, it makes your system work twice as hard to force air through a clogged filter. This means your HVAC system is using more energy than it should; and chances are it makes your utility bills much higher than normal. According to energy.gov, a dirty air filter can cause your energy usage to jump up to 15%.

A Broken HVAC System

Another consequence of not changing your air filter is broken equipment. This doesn’t apply only to your furnace or air conditioner; a dirty air filter can affect them both. One of the biggest ways a dirty air filter affects your HVAC system is through improper air flow. Both your AC and furnace need proper air flow to function correctly; a dirty air filter cuts off that important air supply. Some of the problems that can occur are:

• Frozen Evaporator Coils – The evaporator coil removes heat from the air and keeps your home temperature cool. If the coils do not receive proper air flow, this could cause the refrigerant to get too low a temperature. When this happens, the cooler than normal refrigerant will cause condensation to build up on the evaporator coil. That condensation can ice over, which will freeze your air conditioner into a block of ice.
• Compressor Damage – Your air conditioner is constantly working to maintain a specific temperature in your home. It will run itself into the ground to reach the specified temperature. If air flow is impeded, your AC isn’t able to take a break, which puts a massive strain on the compressor. This strain can cause the compressor to fail entirely. This applies to both your AC and furnace. Prevent damage by simply changing your air filter.

Need Some Air Filter Advice? Call Service Champions!

Are you feeling the consequences of not changing your air filter? Don’t worry, our certified HVAC technicians have seen it all. No job is too big or too little. We are the only Diamond Certified plumbing and HVAC company who proudly serve areas of Orange, Riverside, and Los Angeles Counties. To make an appointment, reach out to our friendly call center representatives or click here to book online.