Have you ever had a dull, stuffy headache that just won’t go away? Are things in your home not smelling quite right? These could be signs of air quality issues caused by dirty air filters. Dirty air filters can cause serious health and maintenance problems in your home, but they’ve often overlooked contributions to indoor air pollution and other consequences.
Keep reading as we discuss the negative impacts of forgetting to replace or clean dirty air filters!
Effects of Dirty Air Filters
Energy Inefficiency
A dirty air filter restricts airflow through your HVAC system, which reduces its efficiency and causes it to work harder than necessary. As a result, your utility bills will skyrocket as your HVAC is forced to consume more energy to adequately heat or cool your home. On top of that, the extra strain adds strain to your HVAC system and shortens its lifespan.
Poor Air Quality
Dirty air filters can easily become clogged with dust, debris, allergens, and pet dander, which prevents them from performing their primary task: trapping airborne particles before they enter your home’s circulation system. It means that these particles, which may contain harmful bacteria or viruses, are free to circulate throughout the interior of your house, potentially causing respiratory issues for anyone living inside it.
Reduced Comfort Levels
If you notice that certain areas of your home remain hot or cold no matter what settings you use on the thermostat, then there’s a good chance that a dirty air filter is to blame. Additionally, if you hear loud noises coming from your vents when running the heater or AC, then this could also be indicative of a clogged filter preventing clean airflow throughout the ductwork system.
Bacteria, Mould, and Mildew Buildup
Besides poor air quality, dirty air filters can also lead to the accumulation of bacteria, mould, and mildew in your home. These fungi will begin to thrive in the excess moisture caused by clogged filters. It creates an ideal environment for dust mites and other allergens, which can worsen existing allergies or asthma complications for members of your family.
HVAC Failure
The most severe consequence of a dirty air filter is that it can cause your HVAC system to shut down. As mentioned, these dirt and debris-filled filters strain your unit and restrict airflow throughout the system. It eventually leads to overheating and failure if not addressed in time.
Air Filter Maintenance
Regularly changing or cleaning your filters is essential for maintaining healthy indoor air quality and low energy costs. Depending on where you live and how often you use your HVAC system, you may need to replace or clean your filters every 1-3 months. If you notice excessive dust buildup on or around the filter itself, chances are it needs some TLC sooner rather than later!
The best way to ensure that you stay on top of this task is by setting reminders for yourself via calendar alerts or phone reminders to remember when it is time for a replacement (or cleaning). It’s also helpful to purchase multiple sets of replacements to always have some handy when needed. It will save you time from running out and buying new ones each time they need replacing!
Conclusion
Neglecting to replace or clean your air filters can lead to indoor air quality problems, energy inefficiency, and even HVAC failure. To avoid these issues, make sure that you are regularly checking and replacing/cleaning your air filters every 1-3 months (depending on the type). With regular maintenance, you’ll be able to keep your home’s air healthy, save money on energy costs and prolong the life of your HVAC system. Remember to set reminders for yourself, so you don’t forget this important task!