Health issues caused by dirty air filters can be serious, especially for those with allergies, asthma, or respiratory diseases. Even the smallest amount of dust, dirt, or pollen can cause a chain reaction and lead to health problems. Air filters trap bacteria, and if not replaced regularly, they can build up. A clogged furnace filter can't do its job properly, allowing dirt, dust, and bacteria to enter the home.
This can trigger allergic reactions and worsen respiratory diseases like asthma. The air flow is blocked with dust and debris, which is then pushed along the filter and into the air you breathe. Poor air quality in your home can cause eye discomfort, congestion, headaches, colds, flu, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. In addition to health risks, a dirty filter can also damage your HVAC system.
When the air cleaner is clogged, the air handler must work harder to compensate for the airflow blockage. This causes your system to strain and use more energy to heat or cool your home. By changing your furnace filter on a monthly basis, you will save money, improve indoor air quality, extend the life of your HVAC unit, and decrease the amount of energy used. It's important to replace your air filter regularly if you have pets or a lot of people coming in and out of your home.
Air filters are designed to filter out microscopic particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, plant spores and mold, and even smoke. Not changing air filters regularly can lead to poor indoor air quality and aggravate symptoms for those with allergies or asthma. To protect your heating system from damage and ultimately complete failure, it's important to replace your car's engine oil and air filter every 3,000 miles. Similarly, you should change your home's air filter regularly to avoid health problems and save money on energy bills.
When you go out to buy an air filter for your HVAC system, make sure you get one that's right for the model you have. If you're not sure what type of filter you should get for your system, talk to a local HVAC professional who can help you get the best filter possible. Taking care of the filter that goes with your HVAC system will help ensure that you don't have any air quality problems and that your system lasts for many years to come. To find out when to change the filter, consider installing a CleanAlert FILTERSCAN WiFi air filter monitor.
