Do you know how often you should be changing your air filter?

It is best to change your air filter every 30 to 60 days, but this can also depend on the type of air filter you are using and the circumstances of your home. If you have multiple pets or family members with allergies, you may want to change your air filter every 25-45 days. If you have no pets, you could possibly be fine with waiting up to 90 days. 

What Happens if you do not change your air filter?

When you do not change your air filter, it will start to build up and become clogged. If the air filter becomes clogged, then there is a barrier that does not allow the air to flow through it. This can have an effect on your entire HVAC system including:

• Higher power bills – the entire system has to work hard to get through the filter.
• Poor temperature regulation – if the air can not go through, this can affect the temperature of your home.
• Health concerns – long-term health issues can happen due to breathing in the contaminated air.
• System failure – overworking of the system can cause it to completely fail and may cost you an entire new furnace. 
• Clamped-up coils – your coils can freeze up from being over used and not cooling the room like it is supposed to. 

If you look at your air filter and it is very clogged up, and you know it has been a very long time, I suggest giving your HVAC professional a call to make sure there isn’t further damage. To keep this from happening, change your filter regularly and create a reminder on your calendar!