Last Updated on November 18, 2022 by Umer Malik
Air filters are one of the essential parts of an air conditioning unit and gas furnace. Air filters help stop germs, bacteria, and viruses from entering the house, distribution of air around the room is equal, and the cost of bills, heating and air conditioning repair, and replacements are curtailed.
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Heating and AC Repair Companies Explaining Air Filter Functioning
Air filters consist of a simple design that is made of fiberglass or paper folded or spun. Cardboard frames then surround them. When the air passes through these filters, dust, bacteria, lint, pollen, hair, and mold; AC filters stop them from reaching the rooms.
How Frequently Changing Air Filters is Recommended?
Usually, changing filters is recommended once or twice a month. But this period can differ according to the situation in the house.
- If the house does not have any pets, then replace filters after 60 days.
- The owner of a house having pets should consider changing after at least 40 days.
- People living in a small house without pets can think of replacing air filters every three months.
Consequences of Not Replacing Dirty Air Filters
When people forget to replace the air filters after the times suggested above, they can face health-related consequences, and homeowners can suffer financial losses. The results of not replacing dirty air filters are mentioned in detail in the below points.
Cost of Energy Bills is Higher
The air conditioner having dirty filters has to run harder to thrust air out of the unclean filter. As AC and gas furnaces are working harder, it will increase electricity use, and the cost of energy bills will be higher.
The Flow of Air is Irregular
Sometimes you might experience airflow in one area of the house, but the air is not even reaching every corner in the other. This especially happens when the filters are not clean. Also, it is more relaxed or hotter during the early time of the day, and later the temperature is not what you might expect.
Degeneration of Quality of Indoor Air
When air passes through the clogged filters, it cannot stop the bacteria, allergens, viruses, and germs from reaching, and the trapped pollutants might enter the room along with the air. This degenerates the quality of the indoor air.
Allergies and Diseases Attack More
As discussed above, when you don’t clean or replace the air filters, pollutants, germs, bacteria, and viruses reach the room and affect the people. According to AC repair companies like Wayne’s Heating and Air, this will cause allergies, and people will get sick because different diseases are attacking all the time.
Increased AC and Gas Furnace Repair Expense
When you cannot hire a gas furnace service for proper maintenance and especially clean the air filters, you might have to spend a lot of money on repairs and even replacing the AC and gas furnace.
Air Conditioning Unit is Replaced Quickly
As mentioned in one of the points, dirty air filters will make the AC unit run harder and spend a lot of energy and amount on bills. Also, the life span of the AC will decrease because running faster will make the mechanism weaker.
Preventive Measures for Air Filter Problems
There are two ways by which you can prevent the filters from damaging and early replacement recommended by heating and air conditioning repair.
- First of all, the air filters should be cleaned at least once every three months. But it is best to clean them every month.
- When you clean the filters at the recommended time, you will not have issues replacing them earlier. When the filters are not working despite cleaning them, then changing them becomes necessary.
You should now be fully aware of the reasons why replacing the filters are necessary. There are a few questions mentioned below that will help you understand changing AC filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can happen if you don’t change your AC filter?
This might happen when you neglect cleaning the air filters or don’t hire heating and air conditioning repair companies for their services. Indoor air quality is compromised, airflow is not proper, energy consumption and bills increase, and repair costs are increased.
How long can you go without changing an AC filter?
AC running without cleaning air filters depends on the air conditioning unit’s model, make, and specifications. But the average time given to change air filters by experts is 90 days.
Can I run my furnace without a filter?
A furnace can run without a filter, but it is only temporary. Not having air filters is just like running a furnace with dirty ones. This can cause severe issues, as mentioned in the article and the first question.
