At Morris Heating & Air Conditioning, we want to know how often do you think about how clean or dirty the air filter is in your HVAC system? Ummm, the answer is probably never, right? How dangerous can a dirty air filter really be in your home’s HVAC system? Most homeowners are unaware of the negative effects of a dirty HVAC air filter on the system and the potential consequences regarding home safety. The air filter in your HVAC system performs an important dual role by keeping your home comfortable and healthy while also maximizing your system’s efficiency. Let’s review why homeowners should make the cleaning and maintenance of their home’s heating and air conditioning system a top priority.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average person spends as much as 90 percent of our time indoors. That means that a vast majority of our time is spent breathing air that has been circulated through an air filter in a cooling or heating system. Therefore, cleaning and maintaining your air filter system means that not only will your HVAC system run more efficiently but, more importantly, your family, pets, and children will be breathing healthier air. With the EPA estimating that indoor air is up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, taking the simple step of changing an air filter should be on everyone’s must-do list.
What are the Negative Impacts of a Dirty Air Filter?
- A dirty air filter can mean air ducts may have become home to dust, allergens, mold and millions of unwanted particles that can invade your breathing space.
- In homes with pets or smokers, air filters can become clogged with dander, smoke particulates and secondhand smoke.
- A clogged air filter can reduce the ability of the humidifier to work properly.
- Dirty air filters reduce airflow within the system which, in turn, makes your system work harder. The harder your system has to work, the less energy efficient it is. That may mean higher utility bills.
- Clogs in the air filter during summer can cause the evaporator or cooling coil to freeze up.
- Clogs during the fall and winter can lead to inefficient running of the entire system, which means you may experience hot and cold spots in your home, and it can be difficult to reach your desired indoor temperature levels.
Can you remember the last time your air filter was cleaned? Call Morris Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (978) 961-0338 and we’ll have you breathing easier in no time!