Neglecting to change your air filter can have serious consequences, both for your car and your home. In a car, the air filter helps keep the combustion chamber clean by trapping dirt, debris, and other harmful contaminants before they enter the cabin. Without the air filter, these contaminants can cause a drop in power, a decrease in fuel efficiency, and difficulty starting the vehicle. In the worst case scenario, it can even lead to engine failure.
In your home, not changing the air filter can lead to a buildup of outdoor debris that can cause damage to the HVAC system. This can result in a large repair bill later on. Additionally, not changing the air filter can cause headaches, itchy eyes or throat, and dizziness. Long-term effects could include respiratory disease, heart disease, or cancer.
Replacing the air filter and having the HVAC system inspected regularly are part of a preventive maintenance routine. This can help preserve the life of your system and make it work more efficiently. It can also save you money on utilities as the system won't have to work as hard to distribute heat or air where it's needed. If you find that old filters look like nothing could pass through them, it's time to contact an HVAC professional.
Expensive large diesel engines have air filter restriction indicators that show when to repair the air filter. If you neglected to change the AC filter for some time, it is very likely that a lot of dust will accumulate inside the ducts. When you change your air conditioner filter every month during peak cooling season, you can save about 15% each month on utilities, as well as avoid repair problems due to airflow restrictions. Keep reading to learn more about how air filters work in your HVAC system and what can happen when they aren't changed on a regular basis.
