Why Your HVAC Filter Needs To Be Changed Regularly

You probably know you need to change the filter on your HVAC as often as once a month during the summer and winter when the unit runs frequently, but you may not realize how important it is. Changing the filter is a necessary maintenance step that keeps your HVAC from clogging and breaking down. Here's some information on why the filter needs to be changed and how it can damage your HVAC if it becomes clogged.

Why An HVAC Filter Needs To Be Changed

An HVAC filter is meant to protect the air handler that operates the furnace and air conditioner. As a side effect, it helps filter the air in your home, but that's not its main purpose. The air from inside your home is pulled into the HVAC through the filter and then passed on to the ducts to be recirculated. The filter blocks hair, dust, and other small particles from entering the HVAC.

If your home tends to get dusty or if you have pets that shed hair, then your filter may clog up more quickly than usual. Since dust and hair can't pass through the filter, it sticks to the surface and creates a dense mat that gets thicker as time goes on. Eventually, the dust mat blocks airflow, eventually leading to severe damage to your HVAC.

What Kind Of Damage A Clogged Filter Can Cause

When a clogged filter restricts airflow, it affects the air conditioner in the summer and the furnace in the winter. A clogged filter can cause the coils to freeze over when you run the AC in hot weather. It can also cause reduced airflow coming out of the ducts, so your house doesn't stay as cool or warm as it should. The HVAC struggles to pull air through and reach the setting on the thermostat. The AC or furnace has to run longer to reach the desired temperature, and that runs up your power bill. A clogged filter can also cause damage to internal parts like the blower motor. A clogged filter can cause expensive damage that could have been avoided if the filter was changed on schedule.

How To Remember To Change The Filter

Get in the habit of checking or changing the filter every month. If you do it on the same day, such as the first day of the month, it might be easier to remember. Write the date on the filter when you put it in so you can keep track of when you changed it. Buy filters in advance so that you always have extra around the home. This eliminates the need to run out and buy one when it's time to change it. If you put off going to the store, you may forget and leave a dirty filter in place too long.

Changing the filter is very important, but it's not the only important maintenance chore that keeps your HVAC in good shape. It's also a good routine to have your AC serviced at the start of summer, and your furnace serviced before winter. This allows a professional to check and service your HVAC twice a year to keep it from breaking down and to prolong its life. 

For more information, contact a company like Barnetts Heating & Air Conditioning.