Regardless of how advanced and sophisticated HVAC systems have become in the past couple of decades, the reality is that they still operate under the same concept. There might be more than a handful of ways in producing an ideal and comfortable indoor environment, but majority of these systems need an air filter to work efficiently. Therefore, it is safe to say that if the talk is about HVAC, there always will be a mention of air filters.
If you’ve been reading a ton of material about the proper maintenance of your residential HVAC system, then it is easy to bet that you are very much aware of the importance of changing the air filter on a regular basis. There are situations in which you only need to clean the filter, but the idea really is to ensure it is clean for it to function and work the way it is supposed to.
Today, there are so many different types of air filters available for purchase, with each one giving you unique benefits and advantages. Regardless of the price, design, and distinctiveness, they all are similar in a way that they must be changed regularly.
The Value of the Air Filter in an HVAC System
Being a homeowner comes with it the responsibility of knowing what could potentially damage your HVAC system. One of those things you usually ignore but could largely impact your system is a clogged air filter. As the term suggests, an air filter is supposed to “filter” the air that goes in and out of the system. If it is clogged, there is no way for it to work like it is supposed to. By checking the condition of the filter, you are ensuring that your system lives longer and operates with optimum efficiency. If the HVAC is efficient, it translates to saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars on repair, replacement, as well as energy consumption costs.
Why It Needs to be Cleaned or Changed
Keep in mind that dirt and the homeowner’s gross negligence of maintaining the system are the two primary causes of heating and cooling system failures. Fortunately, you can prevent those two from damaging your investment in keeping your home comfortable by simply acknowledging the value of maintenance, more particularly in making sure the air filter is clean and free from any build-up of debris.
In changing the air filter in your HVAC, you also are making sure that the air you and your family is breathing inside your living space is clean, fresh, and healthy. If you have kids and elderly people living with you, all the more reason you have to make sure that no dirt or any other debris gets in the way of your air filter. When it is clogged or dirty to say the least, the filter brings with it and distributes contaminants to the air inside, which in turn can cause certain diseases and illnesses, including allergies.
By keeping the air filter clean and regularly changed if the need arises, you are in a way protecting your equipment from getting damaged beyond repair. You know for a fact that modern heating and cooling systems are designed to last for at least ten years, but yours will not reach that age if you do not make it a habit to change the filters regularly. With a dirty air filter, you are forcing your system to work harder than it should, which means it is put under unnecessary pressure and stress, not to mention the fact that in working harder, it also uses more energy or fuel.
By simply adhering to the responsibility of regular air filter maintenance, which by the way takes less than fifteen minutes to do, you are doing yourself a favor. It keeps your indoor air clean, ensures optimal performance of your HVAC, promotes energy efficiency, and prolongs the life of your heating and cooling systems.