Most homeowners don’t think about their HVAC system until it stops functioning the way it should.
Do you know one of the biggest sources of a system complication or failure? Clogged air filters. Do you know how air filters function in your HVAC system? What happens when they aren’t changed on a regular schedule?
HOW DO AIR FILTERS WORK?
Air filters are generally made of spun fiberglass or pleated paper and surrounded by a cardboard frame. They are inserted into a specific place in the HVAC systems and act as a barrier to prevent contaminants and other particles from circulating in the air, or from reaching sensitive parts of the system. Some of the common things that filters block are dust, pollen, lint, mold, hair, animal fur, bacteria, and more.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD FILTERS BE CHANGED?
Depending on the type of air filter you are using, you will need to follow different schedules to ensure that the filter is always functioning for optimal performance. Most manufacturers recommend that basic filters are changed every 30 to 60 days, but there are other circumstances that could affect that schedule. How many people live in your home? How many pets do you have, and do they shed? Do any family members have allergies? These variables will affect how often you need to change your furnace filters.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON’T CHANGE YOUR FILTER?
When air filters are not consistently changed, they get clogged by the buildup of particles and contaminants that stick to the filter. While the filter is designed to accommodate these minuscule items, the buildup creates an almost impenetrable barrier so that the air cannot completely flow through, which can ultimately cause multiple problems for the entire system.
Higher Energy Bills
When the filter becomes clogged, air cannot easily flow through the system. This causes the whole system to have to work harder to distribute heat or air where it is needed, which increases your utility bills since the air is running for longer.
Poor Temperature Regulation
Since clogged air filters restrict airflow, warm or cool air cannot adequately go where it is needed. This means that some rooms could be too cold during the winter or too hot in the summer.
Furnace Failures
As the system is working harder to get around clogged air filters, it can cause the entire system to overwork and eventually break. If this happens, you’ll need to repair or replace the system, which can be very costly. Air filters quite inexpensive, so they are easy to replace frequently compared to replacing the entire system.
Frozen Coils
Evaporative coils, which help remove heat from the air to keep your home cool, can freeze up if they are overworked. With a clogged air filter, the air won’t flow over the coils correctly, which makes them stop working and leads to total system failure. Again, the price to fix this issue is greater than simply purchasing a new air filter every few months. Protect your HVAC system and your wallet by replacing the air filters on a regular schedule.
WHAT TO DO
If you haven’t changed the air filters in your home lately, your next step should be to figure out which filters you need and replace them as soon as possible. If clogged filters are not the issue, but your HVAC is not working the way it should, it may be time to call in the professionals. Contact Legacy Mechanical Services at (204) 452-9424 and we’ll get your system back up and running again.