4 Reasons to Change Your Air Filter

The heating systems in our homes and businesses keep us warm throughout the cold New York winters. Although routine maintenance keeps them running, you never know when an unexpected failure will leave you cold. One of the most common system failures we see is caused by a dirty air filter.

When was the last time you gave any thought to replacing the air filter in your home or business? If you can’t recall the last time it was replaced, maybe now is the time to start thinking about making the change. Your system’s filter needs to be checked and changed or cleaned every 1-2 months. 

Replacing your furnace’s air filter is crucial to your home and business and your HVAC system’s efficiency. Here are our top 4 reasons why:

1. A Clogged Filter = Inefficient System and Higher Energy Costs

You have to replace your furnace filter to help ensure that your system continues to run efficiently. When the air filter is clogged with dust, dirt, hair, and pet dander, your system works harder to move air throughout your home. This will drive up your energy bill and potentially drain your wallet from unnecessary (and unwanted) energy costs.

2. Health Risks Caused by Air Quality: Dirty Air Filters May Hurt Your Health

The primary purpose of an air filter is to trap and filter pollutants. A dirty filter becomes ineffective in trapping these harmful particles and allows dust, dirt, dander and other toxins/allergens to continuously circulate throughout your home or business because they have nowhere else to go. This means that the people exposed to that environment will breathe these particles in, worsening asthma, allergies and even the common cold.

3. Clogged Air Filters Reduce Your System’s Lifespan 

A clean system lasts longer. Dirty and clogged filters cause a restriction of airflow in the system, making the system work harder and, in some cases, the system may overheat and shut down. Other parts of the system also end up spending more energy to move the same amount of air through the vents, which can lead to premature system failure or short-cycling - an issue that occurs after the system cools and starts back up again, but the problem still exists. Why pay for a new system when a low-cost air filter replacement can mitigate the problem?

4. Dirty Filters Increase Your Maintenance Costs

While a dirty filter doesn’t always lead to an outright breakdown, it does lead to costly, unscheduled system maintenance. When filters get clogged, your system continues to run and stresses other system components, damaging the equipment. Neglecting to regularly change your filter can lead to a blower not functioning, or the ductwork getting clogged with dust. Do yourself (and your wallet) a favor and consider making air filter replacement a part of your normal maintenance schedule to avoid the costly repairs we all dread.

Conclusion

At Cerrone Plumbing & HVAC, we want you to have an efficient heating system that allows you to stay warm, stay safe and save money. Air filter replacement plays an important role in long-term efficiency. Changing your air filter regularly is affordable AND you can do it yourself. It’s an easy task that does not require a service call, though we are happy to answer any questions you may have.