Winter is approaching in the Indiana area, meaning it’s time to get your heating system up and running. If you notice the heat is not coming out the way you want, be it due to reduced airflow or short cycling, the reason could be a clogged filter. Although HVAC filters are simple to replace, ignoring them can adversely affect the efficiency of your heating system.
Importance of Air Filters
Air filters play an integral role in the functionality of your HVAC system all year. However, during winter, clogged filters can considerably affect your indoor comfort. Since furnaces use a heat exchange mechanism to cool or heat your house’s air, the current air gets pulled into other spaces in your residence by the system’s fan. This means pet dander, hair, dust, and other fine particles also get pulled in during the heating process. Air filters help stop dust and other debris from accumulating in ducts, and they safeguard the heat exchanger at the center of your heating system. Over time, this buildup can obstruct the air filter, impeding airflow.
As the weather changes throughout the year, clogged filters can cause other problems, including:
High Energy Bills
Your furnace requires a continuous recirculation of air to work efficiently, and a dirty filter makes it difficult for air to flow through the ducts on the way to the heat exchanger. Consequently, your system works longer and harder to get your home to the desired temperature, leading to increased energy bills.
Increased Health Risk
Dirty air filters get congested with dust, pet dander, and other particles removed from the air. When the air passes through a clogged filter, it collects that dust and other debris and brings it back into your house. This can pose a greater health risk for people with respiratory infections and allergies, especially during winter when it’s too cold to open doors and windows to allow fresh air inside of your residence. Changing your filter during winter is the best way to keep your indoor air fresh and lower the risk of winter illness.
Unexpected System Failure
Your HVAC system will have to work harder and longer to circulate air through a dirty filter. This constant strain on the system can cause it to break down, forcing you to pay for costly repairs or replacements.
Frequency of Air Filter Change During Winter
Experts, like our team at Dugan Air Heating & Cooling, recommend that you change the air filter at least once every three months. Your HVAC system stays in constant use during the winter months, so consider changing the filter once per month during the winter. If you use high-end pleated filters, we recommend changing them after every six months.
During winter, your HVAC system suffers wear and tear because it runs around the clock to keep you comfortable. The longer the filter remains in place, the more dust, allergens, pollen, bacteria, and other debris get trapped, obstructing the filter and reducing its efficiency. Thus, inspect your filters regularly, and replace or clean them as recommended.
How to Change the Air Filter
While you should replace your air filters every 90 days, there are some factors to consider when deciding when to switch out an old filter. They include the:
- Type of filter
- Number of pets in your household
- Number of individuals living in your home
- Level of air contamination and construction near your house
Although all of these factors affect the frequency of air filter change, you must visually inspect the filter at least once per month to check for excess debris buildup. If the existing filter is wholly coated with dust and debris, you should replace the filter even if it has not reached the end of its recommended service life.
Contact Us Today
Changing the air filter during the winter will offer your household a warm and safe environment. If your heater develops any problems, turn to the HVAC experts at Dugan Air Heating & Cooling. Our NATE-certified technicians will inspect your unit, identify any problems, and perform the necessary repairs to keep your Franklin, IN, home warm and safe. We also offer heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and smart thermostat services in Franklin and the surrounding areas. Call us today for more information about any of the above services or to schedule an appointment.