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Air filters are a central, but often under-appreciated part of a central HVAC system. They don’t just filter out bits of pollen and dust that would otherwise circulate through the home and lower indoor air quality. They also provide a first line of defense against larger objects such as bits of loose insulation being pulled into the system where they could cause damage or present a fire risk. Clogged air filters are the number one cause of HVAC system failure.

All the air handled by the HVAC system passes through the air filter at one point or another. As the filter catches more and more of the natural particulate pollution of your home – dust, mold and fungal spores, pet dander, fabric fibers, etc. – the fine mesh through which air passes becomes denser. This means that if you don’t change your air filter regularly, air can’t pass through as readily.

Effects Of A Dirty Air Filter

The blower fan in the HVAC system has to work harder to push air. When it’s working harder, it’s drawing more energy, leading to higher bills. It’s also more likely to wear out from the strain.

The difficulty in moving air means that your living areas may not get all the air they need. This means poor home comfort for you, and the temperature sensors which regulate when the HVAC system turns on and off might not ever register the temperature needed to signal the system to power down. That’s another source of expense, which puts more strain on the fan motor.

Because the heated or cooled air can’t travel out of the furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner as easily, the system runs the risk of overheating or freezing up. You’ll be paying the same amount of energy or using the same amount of gas or oil, but there will be no commensurate change in indoor temperature.

Check your unit’s documentation to determine what size of filter you need, and what minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) range the furnace should fall into. A high MERV filter with a very tight mesh may be too much for some units, resulting in a situation a lot like a clogged air filter, even just after you’ve changed it.

The most effective ways to improve your indoor air are to reduce or remove the sources of pollutants and to ventilate with clean outdoor air. In addition, research shows that filtration can be an effective supplement to source control and ventilation. Using a portable air cleaner and/or upgrading the air filter in your furnace or central heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system can help to improve indoor air quality. Portable air cleaners, also known as air purifiers or air sanitizers, are designed to filter the air in a single room or area. Central furnace or HVAC Filters Replacement are designed to filter air throughout a home. Portable air cleaners and HVAC filters can reduce indoor air pollution; however, they cannot remove all pollutants from the air.