What Happens If You Don’t Change Your HVAC Filter?

What Happens If You Don’t Change Out Your Air Filter?

It’s hard to believe that such a small, DIY task could make that big of a difference in your indoor air quality and comfort, but it does. Getting the most value out of your home can be as easy as changing your air filters. Homeowner’s that neglect their filters risk higher energy costs, damaging expensive HVAC units and diminishing the home’s indoor air quality and your personal health.

Keep reading to see what can happen if you don’t change your air filters.

Your AC Unit Will Break Down

Your air filter isn’t the only thing that will stop functioning.

The average lifespan of your HVAC system is around 15-20 years but can become shortened by five to ten years if not properly taken care of. By neglecting your air filter, dust in the ducts will degrade the moving parts, making them run more slowly and draw more power. This will wear out the mechanics of your air conditioner much faster than normal and will result in having to replace parts of your AC as they break, which can get expensive.

Decreased Comfort For You and Your Family

According to the EPA, indoor air quality is on average 2-5 times worse than the air outdoors.

If you’re neglecting a clogged air filter, poor quality air continues to circulate inside your home. This leads to decreased comfort for you and your family as long as you continue to breathe in these particles. This could be causing watery eyes, sneezing fits, coughing, asthma-related symptoms and other long-term respiratory problems.

Regularly changing your air filters every 2-3 months can have a significant impact on your indoor air quality and energy costs.

Outrageous Energy Bills

Heating and air conditioning make up nearly half of the costs in a typical U.S. home. According to the Department of Energy, a clogged air filter can add an additional 15% increase in energy usage.

Dust and debris in a clogged filter slow down the flow of air, forcing your heating or cooling system into overdrive from trying to keep your home temperature comfortable. This will waste energy, wear down your system and cause high energy bills.

Want To Prevent Your AC Breaking Down?

Check your air filter every 2-3 months to ensure that it isn’t dirty. Remember, changing your filter does not protect against maintenance you should be getting on your air conditioner regularly.

Blanco AC, Electrical & Plumbing specializes in air conditioning maintenance services, AC repair, new system consultations and sales, as well as, indoor air quality products. Contact us today for any and all of your air conditioning needs!