Clean Air Now: 6 Benefits of Replacing Your Air Filter

September 27, 2024

When you adjust the thermostat, you expect your home to change temperature quickly, right? If your air filter is old and clogged, you may not experience the quick temperature shift you expect.

Changing your air filter regularly is important to protect your home, keep it comfortable, and save yourself from costly repair bills. We’ll walk you through the benefits of replacing air filters and teach you how to do it yourself.

6 Benefits of Replacing Air Filters in Your Home

With your busy schedule, HVAC maintenance is probably at the bottom of your list, but there are many advantages to staying on the ball. With regular HVAC air filter replacement, you can expect at least six basic benefits.

1. Better Air Quality

A clean and properly installed air filter can stop different materials, such as:

Pollen
Dirt
Airborne bacteria
Dust
Animal dander

As the filter blocks particles from entering your home, it’s easier to stay healthy and breathe cleaner air every day.

2. Fewer Allergens

If you experience congestion, itchy nose, or difficulty breathing due to allergies or asthma, an air filter can help reduce your exposure to various allergens. That means fewer reactions and uncomfortable side effects.

3. Improved Efficiency

Clean air filters allow the HVAC system to run at peak efficiency. The more clogged they are, the harder your system works—using up far more energy. Replacing the air filter on time will save power, keeping your home energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

4. Fewer Repairs

An overworked system pushing air through a clogged filter is more likely to overheat or break. A clean filter lets the system work as it should and saves you from making emergency calls to a technician.

5. Longer HVAC Lifespan

An HVAC system doesn't have to work as hard with a clean filter. It’s likely to last longer than one that’s in overdrive every day because of a dirty filter.

6. Lower Costs

It takes extra power to run an HVAC system with clogged air filters. Clean filters will help keep your energy bill low, save money on your utilities, and reduce the need to pay for repairs.

How Often Do Air Filters Need to Be Replaced?

Several factors go into determining how often air filters should be replaced:

The brand of filter
If the filter is pleated or not (pleated filters last longer)
If you live in an area with construction or a lot of dust
How large your home is
Whether or not you have long-haired pets, and how many pets you have

In general, change an air filter every 1 to 3 months to keep the clean air flowing and your system running efficiently.

What Happens If You Don’t Change an Air Filter Often?

People sometimes forget to replace air filters—for months or even years. This is both costly and dangerous for five reasons.

1. Higher Bills

When your system works harder to get air through a clogged filter, it uses more power to function. You may notice a spike in energy bills. Even if the increase doesn't seem like much at first, over time it can make a significant dent in your wallet.

2. Overheating System

When the HVAC system works overtime, it’s more likely to overheat and shut down. You may turn on the air and find that it only runs for a few minutes before shutting off and inconveniencing you. A system that constantly turns on and off is in danger of breaking down completely.

3. Allergies

Clogged filters won’t catch allergens, dust, and other unwanted substances as intended. You may notice your allergies acting up or your eyes, nose, and lungs feeling more irritated than normal.

4. Slow Temperature Changes

Since a clogged filter limits normal airflow, your home may take far longer to reach the desired temperature.

5. HVAC Damages

When a system works overtime to push air through a bad filter, it’s more prone to wear and tear, breaking down more frequently than if a clean filter was in place.

If your system is damaged or not working as it should, schedule a service with the expert technicians at Blue Flame Heating, Air & Electric.

How Do You Change an Air Filter?

The exact process for replacing an air filter depends on the specific filter and HVAC system. However, these are the basic steps that will work for almost any unit:

1. Purchase a filter that fits your unit's exact specifications. You may need to consult an owner’s manual to find the right measurements.

2. Locate the filter in the system.

3. Turn off the HVAC unit so it’s not running as you change the filter.

4. Carefully remove the old filter. Be careful not to knock it against the interior so you don’t drop dust and particles back into your system.

5. Secure the HVAC air filter replacement in the unit, making sure it’s snug so air can’t escape around it.

6. Carefully close the unit.

7. Turn everything back on.

8. Record the date so you can reference it and know when to replace the filter again.

How Do I Know It’s Time to Change My Filter?

The first clue it’s time to change your filter: Can you remember the last time you changed it? If not, then it’s definitely time.

Each filter will have instructions about how often it needs replacing.

There are some visual clues, too. Most filters are a white or cream color. If your filter is brown, gray, or any other color, that means it’s dirty. If you can see a buildup of dust and grime, replace the filter right away!

If you’re still unsure, call the experts or schedule a routine service appointment and leave it in the hands of professionals.

Keep Your HVAC System in Prime Condition with Blue Flame

You can easily switch out an old air filter alone. However, HVAC systems often have more complicated problems that require professional help. When your HVAC system breaks down or needs routine maintenance, it’s time to call Blue Flame Heating, Air & Electric.

At Blue Flame, our experienced technicians can fix any HVAC heating or air conditioning systems in record time. If you’re in the Seattle area, don't hesitate to call us at (206) 388-5667 or contact us through our website. Keep your home comfortable at the perfect temperature with Blue Flame’s affordable deals. We look forward to hearing from you soon!