3 Consequences of Forgetting to Change Your Air Filter

Dirty furnace air filter being replaced with a new one.

About five minutes of work a few times a year—that’s all it takes to save your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system from serious problems. 

Higher efficiency, a longer lifespan, and improved indoor air quality (IAQ) are all direct benefits of regularly changing your HVAC filter. An air conditioner (AC) with a fresh filter uses 15 percent less energy than an AC operating with a clogged filter, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). 

Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning will always provide you with the best advice to help keep your Marmora home comfortable and safe. Want to get the best value out of your system? Change your filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

It’s a small move that could pay off big in the long run.

What’s the Purpose of an Air Filter? 

Your HVAC filter catches dust, debris, and other airborne irritants circulating through your ductwork. 

Doing so creates a healthier environment in your New Jersey home—especially for anyone with allergies or asthma. It filters out common allergens like pet dander, mildew, and mold.

Besides protecting you, the filter protects your HVAC equipment, keeping the internal parts clean so they can do their job efficiently.

What Happens if I Forget to Change my Air Filter? 

Clogged air filters can cause lots of issues. In fact, a good number of our repair calls were probably avoidable with a quick filter change. Here are three consequences of forgetting to change your air filter: 

  1. Your utility bills will go up. 

When a filter gets clogged with dust and debris, it stifles airflow. That means your AC, furnace, or heat pump needs to work harder to reach the temperature you set on your thermostat. That means more energy is used, leading to higher utility bills.

  1. You may need to call in a repair. 

Clogs can lead to many issues, from wear-and-tear damage to freeze-ups and short cycling. To save on the cost of labor and parts, remember to change your filter before it gets dirty. 

  1. You’ll need to replace your HVAC system sooner. 

A clog can reduce your HVAC system’s lifespan. When its internal parts work longer and harder, they wear out sooner. The cost of an air filter is minuscule compared to the cost of installing a new HVAC system—which would you rather pay for? 

The Importance of Seasonal Maintenance

Besides changing your air filter, it’s important to schedule professional HVAC maintenance twice a year—once in the fall for your heating system and once in spring for your cooling system. Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning offers both AC and heating maintenance for Ocean City homeowners.

Protect your system from pesky repairs, extend your equipment’s lifespan, and reduce utility bills by up to 20 percent. Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment. 

Need Quality Home Service? Call Us Today. 

Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is a family business serving Marmora, NJ, and its surrounding communities since 1911. Call today at 609-228-9453 or make your appointment online.