A dirty air filter can spread contaminants that can cause a range of health issues, from rashes and headaches to eye irritation, sinus problems, asthma or allergy symptoms, and more. Your air conditioner has an air filter that collects pollen, dust, pet hair, and other debris. When the filter becomes clogged, it won't be as effective at capturing these things from the air, and instead will circulate them around your home, making your allergies worse. Not only that, but a clogged filter can cause the heating and cooling system to become inefficient.
All air passing through your systems must pass through the filter. If the filter is dirty and full of dust, airflow is restricted. This can cause your heating and cooling system to work harder than it should, leading to premature wear and tear, total system failure, or costly utility bills every month. If the air filter becomes too congested during the summer cooling season, it can cause a lack of air flow to the evaporator or cooling coils.
This can result in unwanted moisture sticking around and causing mold - a pain to remove and a potential long-term health hazard. Many homeowners don't realize that a clogged air filter could be causing them to experience cold and flu-like symptoms. To avoid these issues, it's important to change your home's air filter regularly. Refer to the owner's manual that came with your heating system to determine how often to change the filter, as well as to better understand which MERV rating is recommended for optimal air cleanliness and system efficiency.
If the owner's manual doesn't mention anything about the filter, or if you can't find it, it's generally recommended to change the air filter once a month during busy heating and cooling seasons. An air purifier can also help remove irritants from the air and improve breathing if you have allergies or suffer from asthma. Dirty air filters not only trap less dust and contaminants, they also end up circulating dust mites, pollen, and irritants back to your home. So why not protect and preserve the expensive systems that heat and cool your home, and keep your family comfortable during excruciatingly hot summers and cold winters? Changing your home's air filter is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to do it.
