How often do you think about your HVAC system’s air filter? If you’re like most homeowners, you probably forgot about it almost instantly after the initial installation. However, changing your air filter is the easiest way to improve heating and cooling efficiency.
Reasons to Change Your HVAC System’s Air Filter
Heightened efficiency is a major benefit of a clean air filter. When air faces more resistance from a filter clogged with dirt and debris, your equipment must work harder. However, if you change your filter regularly, efficiency soars. A system that performs more efficiently benefits you in four ways:
- Use fewer natural resources: Air conditioning runs on electricity, which is produced with coal, while furnaces are most often powered by natural gas. These fossil fuels are limited resources everyone should attempt to preserve.
- Save money: When you use less fuel to condition your home, it’s much less expensive to maintain a comfortable living environment.
- Decrease your carbon footprint: Burning fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases. The less energy you use, the lower your personal impact on the environment.
- Help your equipment last longer: Equipment overworked by a clogged filter tends to break down more often, increasing repair costs. Your system may even come to the end of its lifespan years sooner if you never change the filter. A system that works less can work years longer.
Knowing When and How to Change the Filter
A good rule of thumb is to check your filter once a month and change it if it appears dirty. Some filters are designed to work longer than others. You will learn how often to change your filter by inspecting regularly and replacing when it is necessary. You’ll probably need to change your filter more often if:
- You have a dog or cat.
- Someone in your home smokes.
- You live in a dusty climate and open the windows frequently.
For more helpful HVAC tips and tricks, contact Amarillo Air Conditioning in Amarillo today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Amarillo, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Norbert Rehm/Shutterstock”
