If you are wondering why your furnace system isn’t working, chances are because your air filters aren’t operating as they should be. It is one of the most common furnace complications and can cause significant damage to your system. It is also one of the most complaints that homeowners have with their system.
Read on to learn more about what happens if you don’t change your air filters, how often you should change it, and the next steps to ensuring that your furnace is secure going forward.
How Often Should Air Filters Be Changed?
It all depends on the type of air filter you are using and how often you are using it. However, in most cases, it is recommended that basic filters are changed every 30 to 90 days for families, and 6 to 12 months for people in single homes.
What Happens When You Don’t Change Your Air Filters?
You can expect a whole bunch of problems if you do not check your air filters and change them as often as you should. Some of the most common issues include:
- Higher energy bills
When your air filter becomes clogged up, air cannot flow through it. This forces your system to work harder than it should, putting pressure on it, and therefore increasing the amount of heat and air coming out. This, in turn, increases your energy bill, meaning you’re paying more for a limited amount of usage.
- Poor air regulation
You won’t be getting clean, crisp air if your filters are blocked. You might expect cool air coming out in one room and warm in the other.
- It’s unhealthy
If your air filter is clogged up with contaminants and is being forced out, those contaminants are going to spread across your home, making it dangerous to anyone who inhales it. People have known to get headaches, itchy eyes or throat, and dizziness from being exposed to contaminants in the air. For the safety and security of your family, you have to get it cleaned.
- The cost of repairs & maintenance will go up
As the system is working harder to get around clogged air filters, it can cause the entire system to overwork and eventually break. That means your furnace repairs are going to cost you a bundle and hurt your hip pocket. Cleaning your air ducts can cost you a few hundred, while a new system can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000.
What To Do About Your Air Filters?
If you haven’t changed your filters in a long time, now is the time to do it, so contact a furnace repairs professional. They can visit your house to inspect the system and resolve any issues caused by the clogged filters, thus preventing further problems in the future.
But the best thing to do is schedule a regular appointment with your furnace expert to conduct maintenance. Having regular check-ups will ensure that there are no problems with your furnace and air filters.
No matter your situation, it is vitally important that you look towards getting your air filters in your furnace changed as often as possible to secure your home.
