Changing the air filter in your heating and cooling system is a simple, cheap, five-minute task. But, unfortunately, many Northeast Ohio homeowners put off replacing their air filters for months – if they get around to it at all. Our HVAC pros at Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling talk about the consequences of ignoring this simple maintenance task. Hint: it could really cost you!

Why should you change your air filter often?

We’ll start with a heartfelt recommendation: your HVAC filter should be replaced every 30-60 days, and more often than that, if you have pets or a large family.

Changing the air filter is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help your HVAC system run smoothly and efficiently year-round. Plus, it can greatly reduce your energy costs too. Keep reading to learn how a dirty air filter can cost you money!

1. A filthy filter reduces the efficiency of your system.

Your heating system depends on the constant distribution of air to work properly. When a clogged air filter impedes the airflow, your system struggles to heat your home, requiring considerably more energy to run.

This inefficiency intensifies as the air filter becomes more and more clogged. Simply put, any time your system must work harder than normal to cool your home, it inflates your electricity bill and increases the wear and tear on your system!

2. A clogged filter can cause system problems.

When your air filter gets too dirty when cooling, the lack of airflow can cause your evaporator coil to freeze. Ice builds up, making it harder for your AC to remove heat from the air and effectively cool your home. Running your AC with a frozen coil may even result in a system breakdown, which is both stressful and costly!

A clogged air filter may also cause the coil to get caked with mildew, dust, and bacteria. This makes your AC struggle to control your home’s indoor temperature effectively and regulate its humidity. It also sends allergens throughout your home and into the air you and your family breathe. Ew.

3. Reduced airflow strains your system’s blower.

An HVAC system’s blower is designed to push air through the filter, but if that’s clogged with too much dust and debris, the blower has to work much harder to send the air through. This strain raises the system’s energy usage, resulting in a higher utility bill.

Also, with reduced airflow, you’ll experience hot or cold spots in your home. Finally, left unchecked, the blower fan motor will eventually fail, resulting in a system breakdown.

4. Your home will have reduced indoor air quality.

When your air filter is dirty, you can be sure the air your family is breathing is polluted, too. An air filter’s job is to remove microscopic particles like smoke, mold spores, dust, pollen, pet dander, and bacteria. However, a clogged air filter allows those contaminants back into your home, causing health-related problems like respiratory issues, chronic allergies, and headaches.

5. A system failure is far more likely.

The added strain can cause your HVAC system to stop working altogether. Multiple components can fail, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs or replacement. Changing your air filter regularly doesn’t sound so bad now, does it?

More ways you can save money and energy

Besides changing your air filter regularly, here are some more ways to save on your monthly energy costs!

• Install a programmable or smart thermostat.
• Caulk and seal your windows and doors.
• Have your HVAC system inspected and maintained twice each year.
• Consider replacing an old HVAC unit with a new, ENERGY STAR-qualified model.

Northeast Ohio HVAC Maintenance

Please, don’t neglect your home’s HVAC maintenance. If you can’t remember when you last put in a new air filter, do it right now and call our team at Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling for a maintenance visit. Trust us, your system will run more efficiently, and you’ll also save on energy costs and repairs! Schedule HVAC maintenance today – 844-HEY-NEIGHBOR!