At Oliver, we constantly remind customers to replace their HVAC filters every 1-3 months, depending on their living situation. This replacement is an easy task and doesn’t take long (our HVAC repair experts can even do it for you!), and it can mean a longer life for your HVAC system. Here are some things that may happen when you keep a dirty filter in your system:
Air Pollutants
The whole idea of an HVAC filter is to filter out dirt, debris, and allergens from the air and prevent them from circulating throughout your home. When you don’t replace your HVAC filter, you allow it to build up with these pollutants, and since they’re not being filtered out, you and your family end up breathing them in. Not only are they unhealthy, but they can also cause things like headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
Decreased Flow
When your filter is full of pollutants, it’s harder for clean air to get through. This means that when you turn on your heat or air, the airflow coming through your vents won’t be as powerful as it should be, and your HVAC system won’t be able to heat or cool your home as efficiently.
An Unhappy System
Because dirty HVAC filters decrease airflow, it means that your HVAC system will have to work harder to push the air through your ducts. As the system works harder, it undergoes more stress and more stress is never a good thing for your system – it could lead to overheating and breakdowns.
Frozen Coils
A dirty filter means dirty air, and when dirty air passes over your HVAC system’s coils, it can build up on them. Once your coils are dirty, your HVAC system may not be able to transfer heat as well, and this can lead to frozen coils and an overall inefficient unit.
Higher Bills
Any and all of these problems will likely mean that you’re going to pay more for your heating or air conditioning. When your HVAC system can’t operate smoothly and correctly, it’ll have to work harder to do so. Working harder means using more energy and more energy means higher bills.