On average, Canadians spend 90% of their time indoors.
When you spend a lot of time indoors, you need to be mindful of your indoor air quality. Most Canadians use air conditioners to cool their homes in the summer and forced-air furnaces to warm them in the winter. Both components of your HVAC system require air filters to remove contaminants from the air.
Over time, an HVAC air filter becomes clogged with these contaminants. In today's post, we'll tell you why you need to change the AC filter, so keep reading and you'll have better HVAC maintenance.
Avoid Health Issues
When you get a buildup of dust and debris in your air filter, it won't work as it should. These contaminants will end up in your HVAC system and ducts, where they'll be pushed into the air that you breathe inside the home.
Enough contaminants in the air will cause issues for everyone, especially those suffering from allergies. If you notice that you've got an itchy throat, dizziness, or even nausea, head to your HVAC unit and check to see if the filter needs changing.
Boost HVAC Lifespan
A clogged filter will take a toll on your HVAC system as well. Most AC units and furnaces should last between 15 and 30 years when well-maintained. Changing your air filter is an easy bit of HVAC maintenance that will ensure your system lives a full lifespan. Replacing components such as your furnace filter before a vacation or long stay outside of the home is also a great way to maintain your HVAC Unit.
When a filter becomes clogged, it forces the unit to work harder to reach whatever temperature you set in your home. Over time, it takes a huge toll on your HVAC system's performance and you'll have to have it repaired more frequently.
If you go without HVAC maintenance for too long, you could risk damaging your unit beyond repair. Replacing a furnace can cost in the range of $6,000, whereas most types of air filters cost around $20 every 3 months.
Lower Utility Bills
Because your system has to work a lot harder with a clogged air filter, you're going to see your energy bills spike when you fail to replace it. If you value your home's energy efficiency, changing the HVAC filter is a no-brainer. You'll keep your bills down, as well as your carbon footprint.
Greater Home Comfort
Perhaps the most obvious reason to change your air filter is the comfort you'll get to experience in the home. When you take the time to perform simple HVAC maintenance, you'll be rewarded with an HVAC system that works as expected.
With the winters we have in Winnipeg, you need your furnace to work properly. Our hot, dry summers are much more bearable with a functioning air conditioner as well. All of this can be yours by changing your air filters on schedule.
Change the AC Filter Regularly
When you change the AC filter regularly, you'll experience all of the benefits discussed here. HVAC maintenance is important to preserving your home's comfort and safety, as well as keeping your bills down and protecting your system.
You can change the AC filter on your own, but most HVAC maintenance should be done by a professional. At Mr. Furnace, our family has been in the HVAC industry for nearly 50 years. Tara Smith, our owner, has been appointed as the new chair of the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) in the fall of 2023. This is such a significant role, and we are excited to see how her leadership will drive positive changes in the industry. Contact Mr. Furnace Heating and Conditioning today for comprehensive HVAC services. Book an appointment today and keep your system working for you.