If your air filter is dirty or past its life expectancy, it can by problematic for your HVAC system. Both you and your furnace need a properly functioning clean air filter to coexist happily.
There are 2 purposes of air filters:
To improve the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): By removing dust, dander, etc. from the air we breathe, the air filter is ensuring helping reduce respiratory issues (allergies, asthma, etc), for folks that live in the home
To protect the furnace from getting clogged with particulates: the air that flows through a furnace travels through many small channels during the heating/cooling process. If particulates are allowed to fill these channels, it causes added resistance and reduced airflow to the HVAC system, which decreases performance, and could potentially destroy the system if left unchecked.
When should I change my filter?:
Every filter has a printed lifespan on it—this should be considered the maximum allowable timeframe. The filter is designed to perform for that timeframe under ideal conditions (no excessive dust, humidity, etc.). Pets are probably the largest contributor of filter-plugging particulates, and I typically tell pet owners to check their filter on a 1-month basis at a minimum to see how things are going. If the filter has a 6-month lifespan, you can still check it once a month to verify nothing is building up on it. Pets have different lifecycle shedding patterns, which can lead to unexpected furnace obstructions.
Signs your filter might be overdue:
Dirty vent covers—If the vent covers for the supply vents (the vents that blow air) are dirty, it could mean that your furnace is blowing dirty air into your home.
Electricity/gas bill increased—If your electricity bill is increasing it could be that the filter is plugged, and the HVAC system is working harder to try to compensate.
Increased Allergies—Air filters are designed to protect you from allergies and respiratory irritants. If you’re experiencing issues, it could be that the filter is compromised and can’t properly do its job.
A/C Lineset Freezing—In the summer time when your A/C is running, your lineset on your A/C will start to form ice on in if your filter is not allowing adequate airflow. The freezing can occur for other reasons too, but Airflow is probably the most common issue.
Your air filter on your HVAC system is your first line of defense against respiratory irritants, dust, etc. if your don’t change it frequently enough, it will cause negative health implications for both you, and your HVAC system. Start with the expiration date suggested by the manufacturer, but keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t need to be changed out sooner. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call your HVAC expert at Heidikin Heating, Electric, Plumbing & Well!
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