Homeowners usually have a ton of home maintenance tasks, and no one’s looking to add any more work to their list. However, if you don’t ever change the air filter on the HVAC system in your Joplin, MO home, you are setting up the unit to fail.
Like other machinery, these units need periodic maintenance to keep them doing their job properly and efficiently. Air filters are much less expensive than a new HVAC system, and you can get the following payoffs by simply switching out the air filter a few times a year.
Increased Efficiency
A clean, fresh filter for your HVAC system traps dust, allergens, and other floating particulates to improve your home’s air quality during heating or cooling. The filter can’t do its job well if it’s dirty and clogged with debris. A dirty air filter creates less airflow through the system, which causes increased work for the HVAC components, lower efficiency, and higher utility bills.
The EPA recommends changing your HVAC filter every three months during average use or more often if your system gets heavy use. By changing the filter regularly, you can increase your system’s efficiency by up to 15% per month, which leaves more money in your pocket.
Reduced Wear and Tear
Dirty filters take a huge toll on your HVAC system’s mechanical parts, and a simple filter change can extend the system’s life. Generally speaking, units can last for 15-25 years, although many factors can affect this range.
Having your HVAC system replaced could cost you anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000 on average. New filters are inexpensive, and changing them four to six times yearly is a much better way to save energy and money.
Fewer Allergens and Pollutants
An HVAC air filter removes pollen, dander, dust, mold spores, and other floating pollutants as air circulates through your system. Once the filter gets dirty, it loses the ability to remove these offenders from the air in your home. The resulting unfiltered air can trigger asthma attacks, allergies, and respiratory issues, causing you to visit your doctor more often.
No Emergency Repair Calls
Heaters and air conditioners seem to break down when you need them the most. Running your system on a hot, muggy Joplin, MO summer day with a dirty, clogged air filter can stress your HVAC system to the point that it stops working altogether.
The system cannot function without an adequate flow of air running through, and the lack of air can make it difficult for the blower fan to work. This situation causes the blower motor to malfunction and trigger a voltage surge, which trips the circuit breaker and stops your HVAC system in its tracks.
Get Your HVAC System Back in Good Shape
The bottom line: If you don’t change your HVAC air filter regularly, the system will work inefficiently, age before its time, and eventually fail. If your system has been working erratically or constantly shutting down, or you’re unsure how to change the filters, have a qualified HVAC professional inspect your system. They’ll install a fresh filter and perform other necessary maintenance to improve the unit’s operation and extend its life.
HVAC systems are expensive, and you owe it to your home and bank account to have your unit serviced to stay in good repair. Call us at Upland Servicing to schedule your inspection today.
