Importance of Changing Your Air Filter

The single most important thing you can do to prolong the life of your HVAC unit is change your air filter in a timely manner. A large amount of HVAC service calls are the result of a clogged air filter. This is because a dirty air filter causes dirt and dust to build up on important parts of your Air Conditioning or Heating Unit. When these parts become clogged with dust, dirt and grime a number of problems result; including system failure.

The cost of a service call and repair and replacement of a heating or cooling unit can be very high. The cost and time involved in changing a filter regularly is minimal in comparison. Keeping the filters in your HVAC units clean is about more than the cost or inconvenience of a broken unit, however. Dirty air filters block the air flow in the unit. This causes the unit to work harder and longer to keep your home at a comfortable temperature; resulting in higher heating and cooling costs. The dust build up will start to make its way back into the home. All of the mold, pollen, dust mites and other dirt and allergens will have no other place to go than back into the home. If someone in the home has allergies, this is especially worrisome. The average life of an air filter is 30-90 days. While leaving a filter in longer than three months is a bad idea regardless of the situation; it should be changed more frequently if pets, allergies or tobacco are factors in the household. If allergies are present in the home, it is recommended that the type of filter be upgraded and changed every 6-7 weeks. If there are pets occupying the home, especially if more than one pet is present; filters should be checked every 4 weeks and changed a minimum of every 8 weeks. Other factors that should be taken into consideration are tobacco use, air pollution around the home, and construction or remodeling projects inside or outside the home. Changing air filters in a timely fashion will prolong the life of your HVAC unit, lesson the amount of repairs needed, and improve the air quality in your home. Are you in need of an AC filter change? Call Wickstrom Plumbing Heating & Cooling at (208) 466-9447 today for top-notch services in the Boise area.