How to replace 16x25x1 Air Filters

How long should furnaces use 16x25x1 air filters? What affects the lifespan of 16x25x1 air filters? More importantly, what happens to the home when the furnace uses old 16x25x1 air filters?

Using old or overused 16x25x1 air filters inflicts a great deal of harm on the furnace and air conditioner. Dirty air filters affect:

• Energy efficiency
• Indoor air quality
• HVAC quality
• Home comfort
• HVAC spending costs
• System longevity

Fortunately, there is plenty homeowners can do to make 16x25x1 air filters work more for their homes. But first, understand the consequences of using old or overused 16x25x1 air filters in the first place.

Old 16x25x1 Air Filters Reduce Energy Efficiency

When the thermostat prompts for heating and air conditioning, fans and motors suck indoor air through the registers. The air supply enters the air ducts then through the 16x25x1 air filter in place.

Here, the 16x25x1 air filter captures particles and germs contaminating indoor air. Generally, 16x25x1 air filters remove about 40 percent of all airborne particles and pathogens. Every time the heating and cooling runs, the air filter separates air from particle.

Eventually, these particles collect in large quantities within 16x25x1 air filters. As a result, they can create a solid wall. Much like the lint screen in the clothes dryer, eventually these air filters also need to be replaced or cleaned.

When homeowners use the furnace and air conditioner on a full filter, air cannot pass through the solid wall of particle buildup. Why does this become a serious issue?

First, the air conditioner or heater fires up to condition a certain load of indoor air. However, if air cannot pass through the 16x25x1 air filter, there is an uneven exchange of energy. As a result, the central air system freezes or overheats.

Second, with airflow reduced, less air makes it through the air conditioner. As a result, it takes longer to cool the home. The central air system works doubly hard, expending more energy for the same amount of heating and air conditioning. Homeowners will notice an increase in their utility bills and longer or more frequent air conditioning cycles.

Third, when the furnace and air conditioner work on dirty 16x25x1 air filters, parts wear down at a faster rate. Homeowners can expect damages and repairs, reduced efficiency and higher service costs. In addition, working the central air system on full 16x25x1 air filters lead a system-wide shutdown.

Whenever the central air system faces a potentially dangerous condition, it automatically shuts down in order to prevent disasters, like fires. Under these circumstances, homeowners will need their HVAC technicians to restore the overall health of the central air system.

Overused 16x25x1 Air Filters Lower Indoor Air Quality

At the most basic level, using dirty 16x25x1 air filters leads to poor indoor air quality. Since the air filter is already full, it cannot physically hold any more particles or germs. As a result, these indoor pollutants continually circulate the home and collect over time.

What kind of particles and germs can homeowners find inside 16x25x1 air filters?

• Pet dander and hair
• Pollen
• Odors and smells
• VOCs (cleaning solutions and chemicals)
• Gasses and oils
• Textile fibers and carpet fibers
• Microbiological growth
• Other debris

Of all air filters, 16x25x1 air filters are the thinnest in depth. As a result, they fill quickly and so need to be replaced just as often in order to keep home air clean. Fortunately, 16x25x1 air filters are relatively affordable. Homeowners simply have to remember to replace them in a timely manner. Otherwise, they jeopardize their home, home air and central air system.

Old 16x25x1 Air Filters Cost More Money Overall

Some homeowners insist on using the same 16x25x1 air filter for several months at a time in an effort to save money. Unfortunately, using old 16x25x1 air filters only causes issues that cost more in the end.

With old or overused 16x25x1 air filters homeowners subject their homes to increased costs overall.

First, homeowners can expect higher operation costs on a daily basis. Because of the lack of airflow caused by buildup, it takes more money for the same amount of heating and air conditioning.

Second, using dirty or old 16x25x1 air filters results in more damages and repairs. The longer homeowners go without changing out their 16x25x1 air filters, the bigger the damages grow.

Third, homeowners compromise their indoor air quality and home comfort. With indoor air pollution comes a reduction in productivity and focus. Since 16x25x1 air filters cannot uphold their filtration, homeowners risk aggravating allergies and compromising on respiratory comfort.

Fourth, with dirty 16x25x1 air filters home cut down on system longevity. The average central air system should last between 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. With old and overused 16x25x1 air filters, parts wear down quickly. The added burden cuts down on service lifespan, costing homeowners more when they have to purchase an entirely new system.

What Homeowners Can Do to Improve Their 16x25x1 Air Filters

What can homeowners do to improve their home with 16x25x1 air filters? The easiest and most practical solution is to replace 16x25x1 air filters on a regular basis.

Homeowners should also consider an upgrade. Since 16x25x1 air filters are the thinnest of all filters, they need to be changed more frequently. Unfortunately, the size of air filters homeowners use is determined by model of the furnace itself. However, some homeowners who are very serious about energy savings and indoor air quality do consider the option of resizing their furnace filter chamber.

Not every home is eligible to resize the furnace filter chamber. Your HVAC technician will need to evaluate the central air system in order to see if it is possible. However, if it is doable, homeowners can upgrade from 16x25x1 air filters to a stronger option that requires less maintenance and attention.

Is it worth it to take care of your 16x25x1 air filters? Consider these facts:

• We spend 90 percent of our time indoors
• Indoor air is five times more toxic than outdoor air
• Clean 16x25x1 air filters removes 40 percent of all bothersome particles from home air
• Taking care of 16x25x1 air filters helps reduce allergy and asthma symptoms
• Using clean 16x25x1 air filters saves 15 percent off HVAC bills
• The average 16x25x1 air filter costs less than $10

Elevate 16x25x1 Air Filters with Expert Care from Service Champions

Service Champions Heating & Air Conditioning is the only Diamond Certified provider for Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We lead in heating and cooling installations, repairs, maintenance and advanced air care solutions.

Our technicians are experts and we promise your total satisfaction. We always combine excellent technical care with superior customer service for the best experience in heating and air conditioning.

For assistance with your 16x25x1 air filters, select Service Champions. Complete the form below. You can also speak to our helpful call center representatives for more information.