The air filters in your HVAC system act like any other filter. They keep the bad stuff out of your home’s air by trapping it and replacing it with clean, fresh air. The particles that the air filter traps also aren’t necessarily just small particles like dander, dust, and spores. Larger objects such as loose insulation, pieces of fabric, or other debris can work their way into your heating and cooling system and lead to big trouble. 

Clean air is not the only reason you need to be diligent about changing your filters, if you don’t replace your air filters regularly you can run into a whole slew of other problems.

HVAC system strain

If the air can’t flow freely, your system has to work harder. This means you use more energy, have higher bills, and risk the chance of expensive repairs or worse yet, the need to replace the entire unit because it fails completely.

Compromised comfort

Because your filter is clogged, the regulators in your system may not be reading a proper temperature, meaning you could be too warm or too cold when you don’t have to be. Dirty air filters can also prevent the unit from shutting off when it should which can cause damage to the system.

It’s bad for your health. 

The air still has to move, so if your air filter is dirty, the very stuff it’s there to trap has to go somewhere- and that somewhere is back into your home. This isn’t healthy for even those in good health, but for folks with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues, it can cause serious issues.

Incur repair or replacement costs

As your system struggles to push air through dirty filters, the wear and tear on it increases dramatically which will lead to repair costs or even the need for replacement. New air filters are an inexpensive way to lengthen the life of your HVAC system.

Have a cleaner home

The dirt and dust that is being pushed back into your home and has to go somewhere which means your furniture, walls, and floors will be covered with the tiny particles that are re-circulating back into the house. 

So how often should I change my filters?

We recommend that you replace air filters based on the following schedule and your manufacturer’s guidelines: 

• 1” filters- monthly
• 2” filters- every 2 months
• 4” filters – every 4-6 months
• Media filters – every 6-8 months

Another way to ensure that you never forget to change your air filters is by signing up for a Preventive Maintenance Membership. Texas Ace Heating and Air has the perfect program designed to make sure your HVAC system is always up to snuff.  Call us at 817-240-6701 or contact us online for fast, five-star service!