Having a clean air filter is essential to a properly functioning HVAC system. Over time, your air filter will become clogged and ineffective. Once this happens, your system will have to work harder to pump air through your home or business, resulting in higher utility bills. A clogged air filter is a leading cause of HVAC malfunctions, and it is important to routinely replace your system’s air filter with a durable, clean, and efficient filter.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
In general, you should replace your air filter at least every couple months.
However, if you own pets or live in an area that has a lot of pollen, it may be necessary to replace the filter once a month. Filters are fairly cheap and easy to replace on your own. It is important to get a filter that has the proper minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) for your particular system. Otherwise, a filter that has mesh that is too tight (a higher MERV rating) will make the system less efficient.
Benefits of Changing Your Air Filter
1. It Is Cost-Effective
While it may seem overkill to change your air filter once a month, it can actually help you save money in the long run. A clean filter will allow your air conditioner and heater to run effectively, which will allow it to use less energy. This means you will be able to enjoy lower utility bills each month, which could help you save hundreds of dollars each year.
Furthermore, changing your air filter will help the system last longer. It will reduce wear and tear and allow you to enjoy a functional HVAC unit for a longer period of time. You won’t have to repair or replace the system as often, which will help you save money.
2. It Will Protect Your Family or Employees from Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality is responsible for a host of respiratory diseases and infections. Since you spend so much time indoors eating, resting, or working, it is essential to have fresh and clean air to breathe. A dirty filter may result in just the opposite. When a filter gathers small particles and larger objects, it will quickly become clogged, hindering the efficiency of your system. Once the filter becomes dirty and compromised, it will not be able to keep out harmful particles from your air supply.
These particles include:
- Pollen
- Animal fur
- Bacteria
- Smoke
- Dust
- Chemical fumes
- Viruses
Clogged filters may also allow moisture to gather, which could cause mold to grow. This would put your entire system at risk, because the mold may spread rapidly throughout your air ducts. Once mold has entered your home or business, it is difficult and expensive to get rid of it. It may also cause serious health problems for your family or employees. Thus, you should replace your air filter on a regular basis to avoid a hazardous indoor environment.
3. It Will Improve the Comfort or Your Home or Business
Having a clean air filter will allow your system to run efficiently. This will provide you with greater temperature control over your home or business. A clogged or dirty filter will force your system to work harder to heat or cool your building, and it may not evenly distribute the air where you want it to go. This could result in some rooms being warm and humid and other rooms being chilly. Because a clean filter will improve the overall function of your system, it will allow you to have more control over your indoor comfort.
Knowledgeable HVAC Services for Homeowners & Business Owners
With more than 20 years of experience, Nu-Air Heating and Cooling provides quality heating and air conditioning services to residential and commercial clients. If you want to keep your system functioning smoothly all year long, our maintenance plans can provide a cost-effective solution. We will fix any problems with your system and install state-of-the-art equipment to benefit your home or business.
Call NU-AIr Heating & Cooling LLC today at (985) 288-2445 or contact us online to schedule an air filter replacement service in Mandeville!