It's easy to forget about the air filter in your home, but it's important to remember that it plays a vital role in keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and your air quality safe. When the air filter is clogged, it reduces airflow to the HVAC system, making it work harder and use more energy. This can lead to higher energy bills and an inability to keep your home at the right temperature. Additionally, if the air filter is not changed, contaminants like dust, allergens, and microorganisms can be released back into the air you breathe, leading to immediate problems such as headaches, itchy eyes or throat, and dizziness.
In the long-term, this can cause serious health issues such as respiratory disease, heart disease, or even cancer. Replacing air filters is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and your home's air quality safe. If you don't replace them regularly, you risk damaging expensive equipment and increasing energy costs. You may also experience evaporator coil failures due to the system working too hard to move through blocked air filters.
Furthermore, rooms farther away from the HVAC system may not receive adequate airflow, leading to uncomfortable temperatures. When shopping for air filters, make sure to look for one with a high Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) rating. This rating measures how effectively the filter prevents dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter into the air stream. Additionally, consider buying air filters online as there are often bulk purchase discounts and auto-renew options available that can save you time and money.
Don't let delay and negligence cost you thousands of dollars - replacing air filters costs less than $50! Make sure to follow a regular program for changing your air filter so that you can get the most value out of your home and keep your family safe from potential health risks.