Why You Should Change Your Air Filter Regularly

What Does a Clean Air Filter Do for My AC System?

Because air filters are such a straightforward and simple aspect of an HVAC system, they are often forgotten about when people think about maintenance. However, your systemandrsquo;s filters actually play a critical role in its overall function and performance.

Ensuring that your filters are changed regularly – particularly during the intensive summer months – can work wonders:

Improve Indoor Air Quality

First and foremost, your air filterandrsquo;s primary purpose is to keep dirt, dust and debris out of the air you breathe. A dirty air filter simply cannot work effectively to ensure that your air is fresh and clean. When you take the time to keep your air filters clean, it can be particularly helpful for those with chronic respiratory issues, because you are keeping those aggravating contaminants out of the air they breathe.

Extend the Longevity of Your System

Keeping the air filters clean is one of the easiest ways to keep your HVAC system in good condition. Clogged filters make the system work harder to achieve the same levels of comfort, which in turn results in increased wear and tear and an imbalanced system. It can cause parts to fail before they should and the pressure imbalance can cause leaks in the ductwork. Lastly, the presence of a filter clogged with dust and grime poses a fire hazard which is dangerous to everyone in the home.

Improve Your Unitandrsquo;s Efficiency

Many people do not realize how precisely HVAC systems are engineered. They are designed to move a certain amount of air through a space of a certain size. It can be a rather delicate balance and when this balance is disrupted by dirty filters or leaks in the ducts, the system loses efficiency extremely quickly. By taking care to keep the filters clean, you are helping your system achieve that intended balance and operate much more efficiently. Not only does this contribute to a longer lifespan of reliable performance, it can also represent as much as 15% savings on your monthly utility costs.

Minimize Environmental Impact

As we discussed, an HVAC system with a dirty air filter has to work much harder. While this is a problem for the individual property, it is an issue on a larger scale as well. Air conditioning units are some of the most power-intensive appliances on your average property and inefficiencies here can make a significant difference. Keeping air filters clean is a simple step that can benefit you, your loved ones and everyone in your community.

To get advice on how often your air filter needs to be changed, reach out to Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar today by calling us at (408) 868-5500.