What Happens When You Don't Change Your Air Filter?

August 04, 2020

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August typically brings some of the hottest days of the year here in New Jersey, so it is important to ensure that your A/C unit is running properly. One of the biggest causes of a system complication or failure is a clogged air filter. Read on to learn more about air filters and what can happen when they are not changed regularly.

How do air filters work?

Air filters are typically made of pleated paper or spun fiberglass material enclosed in a cardboard frame. They clean the air that circulates through your A/C unit and prevent pollutants from circulating in the air of your home. Air filters block bacteria, dust, hair, lint, mold, pollen, and much more.

How often should you change your air filter?

Most manufacturers recommend that air filters be changed every 30 to 60 days. However, this may vary slightly depending on the type of air filter you are using in your system.

What happens when you don't change your air filter?

When air filters are not regularly changed, they become clogged as particles within the A/C unit build up and stick to the filter. As a result, air cannot completely flow through the filter, which can lead to a variety of problems for your system.

• High energy bills - When air cannot easily flow through your A/C system due to a clogged filter, the entire system must work harder to dispense air in your home where it is needed. This increases your utility bills to much higher than normal.
• Poor temperature regulation - When the airflow is strained by a clogged filter, cool air cannot adequately go where it is needed in your home. This means less cool air on hot summer days and decreased comfort for you and your family.
• Poor air quality - If an air filter is clogged, it can no longer successfully trap pollutants. These particles end up being pushed directly back into your home and into the air you breathe. Poor air quality as a result of a clogged filter can lead to serious health issues for you and your family with short-term effects that include dizziness, headaches and itchy eyes or throat. If the air filter is not changed and these issues persist, the long-term effects could lead to chronic allergies, heart disease, respiratory disease or cancer.
• Broken A/C system - A clogged air filter makes it difficult for your A/C unit to function properly because your systems' motors must work harder than they were made to work. Eventually, this can cause your unit to break down. Air filters usually cost less than $40, so they are easy to replace frequently, especially compared with the lofty price of replacing your entire system.

How can you prevent these problems?

Protect your wallet and your HVAC system by replacing the air filter every 30 to 60 days. If you are experiencing any issues as a result of a clogged filter, it's time to contact a professional.

If you are a New Jersey homeowner in need of help with your A/C unit, give us a call at [csad_phone]. From routine maintenance to emergency repairs, you can depend on A.J. Perri to provide quality work and skilled technicians that will have you saying, “I Love Those Guys!”