As a local business in Colorado Springs, our team of HVAC specialists makes sure that they provide the best HVAC services possible to the community. It’s our mission to educate the residents of Colorado Springs so that they better understand how to maintain their HVAC systems. The more you know about changing your air filters, the better it’ll operate and the less money you’ll spend on costly repairs.
An important part of an HVAC system is the air filter. Air filters remove microscopic particles from the air before it is blown into your space. Unfortunately, if you have a clogged air filter it forces your HVAC system to work harder, which consequently drives up your bills. If you’re unsure if it’s time to change your air filters, or would like Polar Bear Mechanical to help you with changing your air filters, give us a call today! You’ll see a significant improvement in air quality and electricity bills when you install new, clean air filters.
What Is An Air Filter?
Air filters play a crucial role in cleaning the air that circulates throughout your heating and cooling system. They are usually enclosed in a cardboard frame, while the material inside is made up of fiberglass, pleater paper or pleated cloth. The material within the air filter acts as a barrier and traps contaminants and particles before they are blown into your space.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
Having a clean air filter helps ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently, and that the air inside your home is free of microscopic contaminants. The frequency of changing your air filter depends on multiple factors, including the type of air filter, if you have pets and the size of your space.
Most manufacturers recommend changing your air filters every 30 to 60 days, but you can adjust this timeline to fit your circumstances. One of the biggest influences in how often you should change your air filter is pets. A good guideline to follow:
- Average-sized home with no pets: every 90 days
- Average-sized home with one pet: every 60 days
- Average-sized home with multiple pets: every 20 – 45 days
- Average-sized home that’s occupied by allergy sufferers: every 20-45 days
- Smaller homes, or vacation homes that aren’t used as regularly, with no pets: every 6 – 12 months
Photo courtesy of HVAC.com
Consequences Of A Dirty Air Filter
If you don’t change your air filters frequently, it can cause multiple problems for your HVAC system. Air filters trap dust and particles that are usually too small to see with the naked eye, and when these particles begin to build up it clogs and overloads the air filter. Some consequences of a dirty air filter include:
- Higher Energy Bills
- When an air filter becomes clogged, it forces the entire HVAC system to work harder to push air into the desired space. A harder working system means higher utility bills.
- Health Concerns
- When an air filter is clogged, it can’t trap unwanted particles as well as before. This means that these potentially harmful contaminants can end up in your space, and you could end up breathing them in. Breathing in unfiltered air can cause headaches, an itchy throat and dizziness. It can also cause long-term side effects such as respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer.
- HVAC System Failure
- A clogged air filter can wreak havoc on your HVAC system. When an air filter is clogged, it doesn’t allow an adequate airflow, which forces your heating and cooling system to work harder than it should and can also cause uneven indoor temperatures. A common result of a clogged air filter is frozen evaporator coils. The coils freeze because not enough air is moving past them to dissolve the condensation that occurs during the cooling process. This will most likely lead to your air conditioning unit breaking down.
Top-Rated HVAC Service | Chill Out With Polar Bear Mechanical
Polar Bear Mechanical is here for you no matter what help you need regarding your HVAC system! Don’t forget about your air filters, they play a huge role in maintaining the efficiency of your HVAC system, and are one of the easiest ways to make your AC unit last as long as possible. Our top-rated HVAC specialists can help you determine what kind of air filter you need, and install a brand new one for you. If you think your air filters may need to be replaced, don’t hesitate to call our friendly team and schedule an appointment.
