It may be a small chore, but changing your air filters regularly can have a big impact on the performance of your air conditioner.

Every component of your air conditioner plays an important role, including the air filter. Failure to maintain these components can result in a reduction in energy efficiency or, worse, equipment failure.

Changing air filters regularly helps you avoid the following situations:

• Air conditioner breakdowns. When HVAC systems fail, technicians often check the air filter first. That’s because dirty air filters don’t allow enough air to flow into the system, placing strain on the motor and possibly causing it to overheat or burn out. Air filters are a lot less expensive than new air conditioners!
• Increased energy costs. If you have not been changing air filters regularly, you may have noticed an increase in your monthly cooling bills. This is because restricted airflow, as mentioned above, will cause your air conditioner to work harder and consume more energy.
• Poor indoor air quality. Air filters remove many unwanted particles from your indoor air, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke and dust mites. Accumulation of these indoor pollutants can contribute to headaches, respiratory issues, increased allergies or asthma attacks. Talk to your contractor about different types of air filters that can further reduce indoor air contaminants.
• Dirty ducts. Air filters help protect the inside of your home and the air you breathe, but also the insides of your heating and cooling equipment and your home’s ductwork. Dirty ductwork may reduce the overall performance of your heating and cooling system or require professional cleaning. Air filters can help prevent these problems.

For more energy-saving tips, contact the professionals at Comfort Services. Our NATE-certified technicians can fine-tune your heating and cooling for maximum efficiency or help you select a new high-efficiency system for even more savings. Schedule your maintenance service or a Comfort Consultation today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about changing air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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