Problems Caused By Not Regularly Replacing Your HVAC Air Filter
Do not forget to change your HVAC filters this spring and fall. It is the most important thing that you can do to protect your air conditioner and to enjoy a cool, comfortable home all year. You will enjoy lower energy bills, and you will not need to keep your Sugar Land air conditioning service on speed-dial. There are plenty of other benefits too. Here are a few reasons why you should give your HVAC system some attention every month.
Energy Use
Every Texan wants to lower their energy use and save some cash. Changing your HVAC filter regularly is one cheap and effective way to lower your bills. Since heating and cooling represent about half of your electric consumption, the savings are significant. Clogged filters increase air resistance which makes your HVAC system work longer to cool your home. The Department of Energy says that installing a new air filter will reduce heating and cooling costs by a minimum of 5 percent.
No Output
Saving money is nice, but regular filter changes can prevent bigger problems. Blocked airflow disrupts the air conditioner’s cooling cycle, so the coils can turn into ice. This can cause warm air to come out of your vents, or it can stop the airflow completely. Coils need air to dry condensation and prevent ice buildup. Ice is usually caused by dirty coils, clogged filters or low refrigerant levels. If you see a problem, turn off the air conditioner. Replace the filter, and run the fan only. This will melt the ice so Sugar Land HVAC repair experts can fix the problem.
Premature Failure
Inspecting and changing air filters quarterly or sooner is the easiest way to avoid emergency service calls and prevent breakdowns. If your air conditioner or heating system is not working as well as it used to or if it keeps tripping the breaker, the first thing you should do is check the filter. Then, turn the system back on to see if the problem has been fixed. If your HVAC filter looks clean, turn the system off, and give us a call. Continued operation can cause expensive components to fail. For example, if you force your air conditioner to run while the coils are icy, the compressor can overheat. Clogged filters will cause similar problems in all forced-air systems.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Filters are intended to clean indoor air and prevent particles from coating the fan and the moving parts in your air handler. If filters are clogged or are not doing their job properly, you will notice increased dust accumulation in your home. In the later stages, you may see dust coming out of the registers while your HVAC system is running. Clean filters will also remove allergens. If pollen, dust and pet dander are not removed, you might suffer allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes, throat irritation, coughing, sneezing and headaches. Installing better filters and changing them regularly will help protect your health and your air conditioning system. Remind yourself by writing the date on the edge of the filter, marking your calendar or having your cell phone alert you.
Seasonal tune-ups and regular filter changes are the best things you can do to lower your expenses and prolong the life of your air conditioning equipment. To achieve optimal performance, inspect your HVAC filters monthly. Change them when they have a coating of dust or look dirty. If you suffer from allergies, use a high-quality pleated filter. Remember to inspect and change allergy filters frequently so that they capture more particles. If you need a seasonal tune-up or an A/C repair in Sugar Land, TX, call All Cool A/C & Heating at 281-238-9292. We provide everything you need to stay cool this summer and comfortable all year around.