One of the easiest and yet also most important things you can do for your home’s HVAC system is to change out the air filter on time each month. You may be thinking that leaving it in place for a few extra days or even a week or two longer may not make a huge difference, but it really can.
A dirty air filter can have such a negative impact that it leaves you calling for Salem heating repair. You can keep reading to learn more about the importance of an HVAC air filter, why you need to change it out regularly, and what happens when you don’t.
Air Filter Importance
The grate where an air filter is located is the single source of air leading into your heater. The filter is in place to help capture dust and dirt particles to prevent them from getting through the system and into your heater.
This protects your heater from those particles building up and causing problems during operation, but it also helps to improve your indoor air quality. Dust and dirt that get into your heating system will eventually make their way through the clean air and blow back out into your home, lowering your overall indoor air quality
How Often to Change the Air Filter
Each air filter is rated to last for a specific length of time. Most standard residential air filters are designed to be in place for anywhere between one and three months. You can read the label on your air filter to know how long it can be in place before changing it out.
It is important to write the date on the air filter so you know when it was originally put into place. You can set a reminder to check the air filter a few days before it is due to be changed out. If it is particularly dirty, we encourage you to go ahead and change it out instead of waiting. If the air filter becomes too clogged with dust and dirt, it can cause problems for your heater.
Risks of a Dirty Air Filter
When an air filter gets completely full of dust and dirt, a couple of things happen. First, the particles block airflow into your heater. Your heater may have to work harder to pull air into the system, adding a lot of strain to the unit.
But a full air filter also increases the chances of dust and dirt getting into your heating system. The air filter can only hold so much. As it gets fuller, more of these particles are able to pass through and mix with clean air. You may notice that your home gets dusty faster.
You may also notice that your heater begins to make unusual noises as the gears have to work harder against the grime of dust and dirt build-up. If this happens, it’s time to schedule service for your heater. Our team can clean out in between all of the gears and re-lubricate them so that all of the components can work together smoothly.
We can also wipe down the inside of the system to eliminate as much dust and dirt as possible. You can help your heater by being diligent about dusting and vacuuming during the winter season to reduce the amount of particles that are around your home to begin with.
Your comfort is our business! Comfort Flow Heating serves all of Oregon, so contact our team today to schedule your appointment.
