One of the simplest tasks for maintaining your HVAC system is changing the air filter, but you would be surprised about how often it’s overlooked! While the air filter is very often the only piece of the HVAC system puzzle that homeowners can easily access and identify, it’s all too common for everyday life to get in the way and for air filters, along with the rest of the HVAC system, to be neglected.
Why Are Air Filters So Important?
The air filter within your HVAC system has the very important job of catching and containing any and all air pollutants that find their way into your home. Failing to clean or replace your air filter on schedule can lead to serious and costly problems, so it’s extremely important to prevent it from being forgotten.
- If your air filter is neglected and gets dirty, your home’s air quality will suffer. More of the pollutants that the air filter is supposed to catch and contain will begin to accumulate in the air that you and your family are breathing. This can lead to increased allergies and can be dangerous for people who suffer from asthma.
- As the air filter clogs up with dirt and contaminants, your HVAC system will be forced to work harder to cope with the inefficiency. This means that the dirtier your air filter gets, the higher your energy bill will be.
- A dirty air filter will even endanger one of your home’s long-term investments: your HVAC system itself. The longer that your system has to strain with a dirty air filter, the more damage it causes to the motor, causing it to overheat and eventually burn out permanently.
- Dirty air filters lead to more maintenance charges in the long run, as they will quickly result in dirty air ducts and other maintenance headaches. This will lead to much greater expenses in trying to revive your HVAC system.
A Simple Fix with Long-Term Benefits
Keeping a regular maintenance schedule for your HVAC system is absolutely necessary if you want to save money and enjoy a system that works properly. While the air filter is just one part of a much larger picture, you can easily see why it’s so important.
Air filters are inexpensive and easy to install for most HVAC systems, and if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself, it’s a quick maintenance task for a reputable company to do for you. In fact, many companies will include it as part of every routine maintenance visit. Regular maintenance is important to keep your system running efficiently, and a little thing like having your air filter changed regularly can end up saving you a lot of money and hassle down the road. Not only will you be able to prevent a lot of major repairs and avoid needing to replace your HVAC system early, you’ll save money every single day that your system is able to run as efficiently as it can.
Is your home’s HVAC air filter saving you money or wasting it? Contact us at Snyder Heating and Air Conditioning for more information about how you can save money while maintaining your HVAC system for years to come.