Is Your Air Filter Clean Changing It Regularly Over The Summer Pays Off
As part of routine maintenance, keeping the air filter in your HVAC system clean supports adequate airflow, the single most important parameter for efficiency and comfort. The air filter makes or breaks healthy circulation of cool air in the summer. Too little filtration means your indoor air may contain unhealthy levels of dust and other contaminants like mold spores and pollen. Too much filtration — such as from a dirty filter — restricts airflow and opens a Pandora's box of performance problems. Manufacturers generally recommend a filter change every 60 days. But during peak cooling season, and especially if members of your family have allergies, a 30- to 45-day filter change interval might be more advisable. Here's how keeping your air filter clean pays off:
- Less wear and tear: A dirty filter stresses system components like the blower fan and the compressor, as they must work harder to overcome the airflow restriction and achieve the temperature that you want.
- Energy savings: Free airflow through a clean filter means less run time on the blower and compressor, the two biggest electricity consumers in your system. Utility costs decline if filters are replaced on schedule.
- Improved air quality: Clean filters more efficiently remove airborne contaminants such as dust and pollen, which can trigger allergy attacks and other respiratory issues.
- Ice-up prevention: Ice may form on the evaporator coil when a dirty filter reduces airflow. Eventually, the ice build-up can completely block all airflow and shut down the system. A melting block of ice in the air handler may cause water damage to your home, too.
- Reduced environmental impact: The energy savings from clean filters mean a smaller carbon footprint and less greenhouse gas.
The expert technicians at Jones-Rogers maintain the comfort and indoor-air quality of homeowners in Northern Virginia. Ask us about the benefits of keeping your air filter clean all summer long.
