Is Your Air Filter Dirty? 3 Problems to Expect

1. Higher Energy Bills 

A dirty filter can cause your energy bill to increase by up to 15 percent. But why?

Your furnace depends on a constant flow of air for efficient combustion. The air should first pass through the air filter before it gets to the heating system.

The blower fan helps push out the conditioned air from the heat pump, through the duct system, and into the vents in your house. However, if you have a dirty filter, the blower fan may have to work harder than usual.

Due to the increased energy demand, the entire heating and cooling system will use more power to maintain the temperatures you've set on your thermostat. The energy consumption increases while the furnace’s efficiency takes a hit. Your HVAC technician may suggest frequent maintenance appointments during which they can replace the air filters at regular intervals.

2. Poor Indoor Air Quality 

Typically, a dirty air filter will contaminate the air you breathe inside your home. Tiny particles such as mold spores, dust, pollen, and bacteria are the most common contaminants that may clog an air filter. Over time, air has to force its way through the dirt. In doing so, the air distributes the dirt particles across the rooms in your home via the ductwork.

Continuous airflow could mean that the particles are always in circulation. As a result, you or your family members may experience several health issues that never seem to end. For instance, when you inhale these contaminants, you could develop frequent allergies, dizziness, and stubborn flu-like symptoms. The pets in your home will likely have it rough as well, due to the ever-present poor air quality.

Usually, you can solve the problem by replacing your old filter with a new one. If you still have allergies after that, you could ask your HVAC expert to clear out your ductwork for a cleaner indoor environment.

3. Defective Heat Exchangers 

The furnace passes air through the heat exchanger, where the air heats up. However, a clogged filter can prevent enough air from reaching the heat exchanger. The small amount of air that passes through can't absorb all the heat, so the excess energy remains inside the exchanger.

Because of excess heat buildup inside, your unit may experience repeated expansion and contraction. As a result, the exchanger may give in to the accumulated stress and form cracks. A cracked heat exchanger could trigger abnormally high levels of carbon monoxide inside your home.

Keep in mind that carbon monoxide is an odorless and highly poisonous gas. The gas is also colorless and you may not even be aware of its existence unless you have a carbon monoxide detector. Soot around the air filter may be the easiest clue that your home may contain high levels of the dangerous gas.

Don't take any chances if you feel that your air filter has gone too long without any maintenance. Contact us at Central York Corporation as soon as you can.