There are many exciting changes that happen during Autumn! The leaves on all the trees change colors, our outfits become warmer and cozier, and of course, our preferred beverage becomes the ever-so-famous pumpkin-spiced latte!
But, there is one other change that homeowners often forget about — yes, that’s right, we are talking about the air filter! Your air filter plays an important role in the overall performance of your heater, so it is important that you change it on a regular basis (every 1 to 3 months to be exact!)
In case you are not yet convinced, we encourage you to keep reading below! We’ve explained exactly what an air filter does and why it’s so crucial that you change it. So, what are you waiting for?
What Does an Air Filter Do?
There is a lot of debris that circulates throughout your home and ultimately ends up in your ductwork. If the debris enters your forced-air heater, it has the potential to cause some significant damage. The air filter exists to prevent dirt and debris from entering the heater itself.
The reason we change our filters is that they are unable to rid themselves of the particles they collect. If they become too clogged, airflow in and out of the heater is restricted, causing problems. Be sure to change your air filter every 1–3 months during the heating season.
What Can Happen If I Don’t Change My Filter?
Here’s what can happen if you don’t change yours.
Decreased Efficiency
When your heater struggles to circulate air throughout your home, it becomes significantly less efficient. A dirty filter is going to create more airflow resistance than normal.
In addition, a dirty air filter can cause the system to short-cycle. This is an industry term that describes when your heater keeps turning itself on and off over and over throughout the day. Not only is short-cycling extremely inefficient, but it also places a ton of wear and tear on the system, leading to sky-high energy bills and costly repairs.
Increased Repair Needs
When your system has to work harder than it normally does, there is an increased in wear and tear. This will lead to operational problems and eventually a breakdown. Obviously, you do not want to be stuck dealing with costly repairs and untimely replacements. Changing your air filter is simple and easy … dealing with a full system breakdown is not.
Decreased Indoor Air Quality
Although the air filter is ultimately put in place to protect your heater, it does have some positive impacts on your health. When the air filter is thickly congested, air may be forced around the filter, and when this happens, it will be distributed into your house! This, in turn, decreases your indoor air quality and can lead to some significant health issues for you and your family.
You Can Always Ask a Pro for Help!
If you are not sure how to locate and replace your air filter, you can always count on your local Brandon, MS HVAC contractor (us!) to help you. Just give us a call!
For all your heating needs, contact the team at AirSouth Cooling and Heating.
