When it comes to keeping your home comfortable and healthy, one of the most important things you can do is change your air filter regularly. A dirty filter reduces airflow to the HVAC system, making it work harder and use more energy, which costs you more money. It can also lead to an inability to keep your home at the right temperature. But the danger of not changing the air filter in your house for a long time goes beyond just higher energy bills.
If the air filter is clogged and can't trap contaminants like it used to, those things can go back to the air that everyone in your home breathes. Immediate problems may include headaches, itchy eyes or throat, and dizziness. If the air filters are not changed and problems persist, the long-term effects could be respiratory disease, heart disease, or cancer. Not only that, but a clogged air filter can also cause the air blower to break down, which in turn causes the entire HVAC system to break down.
When an air filter is too clogged and dirty, debris ends up entering your HVAC system and circulating around your home. This can lead to dust buildup around the HVAC unit or in your home, as well as damage to expensive equipment. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. If you have more than one cat or dog, or if you have chronic allergies or asthma, it's generally recommended to change your air filter every 20 to 45 days.
However, some older models have air filters inside them and you may need to have the right tools to replace the filters. Getting the most value out of your home can be as easy as changing air filters. If you want to keep the air in your home clean and avoid unnecessary repairs, consider replacing air filters every 30 to 90 days. The price to fix this problem is higher than simply buying a new air filter every few months.
