The quality of the air we breathe every day can have a big impact on our health. But have you ever wondered by businesses and health professionals emphasize the importance of changing the filter in your HVAC unit regularly? Air filters do much more than simply remove particles from the air and prevent them from returning again into the air you breathe in. The standard furnace filter sizes also block particles from causing damage to the unit itself. Here are six ways that a dirty air filter can impact your home.
The Home Feels Less Comfortable
The air filter might be a small aspect of an HVAC system, but it plays a very important role. The clean air that is allowed to filter through to your home can affect your health dramatically. But when the filters are dirty, the airflow is restricted, and this can impact the amount of cold air that can circulate around your home. And when this occurs, there won't be enough air to be put back into your home to either cool you down or warm you up. You'll notice that there are hot and cold spots around the home and the temperature won't match up with what your thermostat is saying.
Air Conditioner Leaks
In order for the air conditioner to cool the air in your home, the system uses a refrigerant which changes from a gas to a liquid as it is circulated. Throughout this process, the heat from your home is trapped and expelled – the refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator coil, as it absorbs the heat from air blowing over the coil. But when the filter becomes dirty, the warm air becomes more limited which could lead to the coil freezing. When it thaws, it could then leak water into your home.
Larger Bills
Air filters that aren't replaced regularly become clogged and with neglect, they can force dust and mould back into your indoor air. But this force can also put unnecessary strain on your HVAC unit that means it will use more energy and increase your energy bills. One of the easiest ways of keeping your energy costs down is by replacing your air filter regularly.
System Damage
Air conditioning units are designed to take in a certain amount of air every time they cycle, but when this is impeded by a clogged air filter, the system has to work harder. Over time, this wear and tear lead to faults and maintenance costs. It could also compromise certain components of the system that will become damaged.
Allergen Build-Up
If anyone in the home suffers from allergies or asthma, it's vital to keep air filters clean. If they become dirty and clogged, it leads to a build-up of allergens in the system that will be released back into the air you breathe.
Increased Illness
You might notice that your family gets more respiratory health problems and illnesses as a result of your HVAC system not working as efficiently – this is because fewer spores and bacteria are collected by the filter.
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