Just like the air filter in your car, the air filter in your home gets dirty. It needs to be routinely checked and replaced. If not, it can cause some serious issues. Checking and changing your air filter is one of the most important yet overlooked things to help maintain your home.
Air filters are made out of pleated paper or spun fiberglass. Their goal is to trap particles you don’t want to breathe inside your home. Common blocked items are pollen, lint, pet dander, mold, and bacteria. Unfortunately as it blocks those particles, it becomes dirty and can’t self clean. This is why replacing your air filters (or if you use reusable filters, having them washed & sanitized) is extremely important.
The consequences of not replacing your air filter get worse as time goes on.
You’re spending more money than before.
If the air filter starts to get clogged and dirty, it can’t let air pass through as efficiently. This can cause the run time of your HVAC system to be longer because it’s having to work harder to produce results.
The air temperature isn’t regulated.
Because the air filter can’t let air flow freely through, it doesn’t regulate temperatures like it should. Some rooms may be warm, while others may be cooler. This is due to wherever the air duct is and how far it has to travel. If the air filter is clogged or dirty, it won’t travel very far.
System failures.
If an air filter gets dirty enough, it can actually destroy your HVAC system or furnace. This could happen in a couple ways. The evaporative coils that help keep your home cool by removing heat from the air can freeze up if overworked. This can lead to system failure. And in general, if the filter is clogged the whole unit will have to work harder. That will eventually lead to a breakdown. That could cost thousands of dollars to fix or replace. An inexpensive air filter replacement could prevent that.
Air quality becomes extremely poor.
The reason we have these systems in place is to help better our indoor air quality. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), indoor air is typically 2-5 times worse than outdoor air. The air quality in Las Vegas is certainly not great, so that means the quality of air is even more important. When the filter isn’t replaced on time, the air becomes stagnant. Dust, moisture, odors, and more get trapped in the air. It becomes unclean and a potential health hazard to live in.
Which brings up the last point…
Major health concerns.
If you don’t replace your air filter, the air within your home simply becomes dirty. As mentioned above, it can trap dust and particles that can be extremely harmful to your body. If you have asthma or allergies, you’ll potentially experience symptoms far more often. Poor air quality can lead to headaches, itchy eyes or throat, and even dizziness. And as it gets worse, mold can develop. And over time, a build up of mold could lead to severe respiratory issues, diseases, and even cancer.
Overall, an air filter is a simple yet overlooked home necessity. And replacing your air filter is a simple yet overlooked task. This is why we created Eco Home Heroes. At Eco Home Heroes we understand the importance of the air quality within your home. And we know remembering to change your air filters on time, is one of your least priorities in life. For about the same cost as driving to the store, finding the right filters, and installing yourself, our Heroes can take care of that for you. It’s one less thing for you to have to worry about, giving you peace of mind about the quality of air within your home.