The Benefit of Changing Your Air Filters Regularly

The Benefit of Changing Your Air Filters Regularly

Air filters are a central, but often overlooked basic home maintenance task. Getting the most value out of your home can be as easy as changing out your air filters. Homeowners that ignore the filters in their heating and air conditioning systems risk higher energy costs, damaging expensive equipment, and diminishing indoor air quality and personal health.

So, why is changing your air filter so important? Cristina Munoz shares why changing your air filter regularly will benefit you in the long run. Cristina states, “First of all, a clogged air filter can cause extensive damage to your system. There are many particles floating in the air around us at the microscopic level such as flakes of skin, pet dander, and residue from cooking, to name just a few.” If you check your air filter’s condition regularly, you ensure the longevity of your system — saving yourself thousands in possible repair and replacement costs. Dirt and neglect are one of the leading causes of heating and cooling systems failing, yet such failure is completely avoidable.

Secondly, changing the air filter in your system ensures cleaner, fresher, healthier air. This is better for everyone in your home, particularly children and the elderly, and most especially for those suffering from allergies and/or asthma. In referring to the latter, a clean air filter means you are not constantly circulating dust, dust mites, pollen and the other small particles in the air. Instead, your system will be able to purify the air, leaving it clean and healthy.

Thirdly, aside from protecting the HVAC system from unnecessary damage, cleaning out or changing a clogged air filter will also save you a significant amount on operating costs. In simplest terms, a dirty air filter uses much more energy than a new, clean air filter, which means a much higher electricity bill for you.

To the above point on energy wastage, failing to clean and replace your air filter on a regular basis is failing the environment. An air filter that is clogged means a harder working HVAC system, thus it also means a lot of carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gases, by extension being released. Going green and running your home in an eco-friendly manner need not necessarily mean bending over backwards and giving up all forms of comfort. Something as simple as changing an air filter regularly can go a long way in making a difference.

If you want to keep the air in your home clean and avoid unnecessary repairs, consider replacing your air filters every 30 to 90 days, with the former being preferable and the latter being the absolute maximum you should allow between changes.

Cristina Munoz is a seasoned Real Estate Sales Professional with ERA Justin Realty. To reach out to Cristina or any of our real estate professionals to discuss any of your real estate needs, call us at 201.939.7500.