4 Reasons to Replace Your HVAC Air Filter

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters and the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield have a lot in common. They both can tout, “I don’t get no respect!” Most people do not realize how pivotal the HVAC air filter is to both their homes and their HVAC systems.

While it may seem like a simple component, your HVAC’s air filter plays a vital role in maintaining indoor air quality, protecting HVAC equipment, and promoting energy efficiency. A neglected or dirty filter can lead to higher utility bills, reduced airflow, and even costly repairs, making it far more critical than most homeowners realize.

Lifetime Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is here to set the record straight on the importance of air filters and to encourage homeowners in Lake Stevens, and surrounding areas to change theirs more frequently for better HVAC maintenance.

Respect Yourself, and Your Air Filter

Here in Washington, you may think about your filter only when the seasons change, particularly transitioning from the warmer temperatures of summer to the cooler temps of fall, but filters need more attention than that all year long.

Both our HVAC professionals and ENERGY STAR^® recommend inspecting your filter every month and changing it as needed, but at the very least every three months.

Here’s why.

1.  Air Filters Keep Your Indoor Air Quality High

The purity of the air you breathe inside your home, your indoor air quality (IAQ), is not always high. By changing your filter on a monthly basis, you can improve it. Here are a couple worthwhile statistics to know.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Americans now spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors. And according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), our indoor air is two to five times as toxic as our outdoor air.

These indoor pollutants cause or can worsen allergies and respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, as well as other long-term conditions and diseases like heart disease and cancer. In other words, keeping the air you breathe in your Lake Stevens, home as clean as possible should be a priority.

Change your HVAC filter monthly to help keep those toxic particles out of your lungs.

2. Clean Air Filters Increase the Efficiency of Your System

By changing your filter on a regular basis, you can help increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. A dirty filter is a common reason for breakdowns due to overworking furnaces and air conditioners.

With a clogged filter, the air can’t get through, causing the system and its motor to work harder and run longer. When everything has to work harder and longer than designed, it causes system stress and decreases your system’s efficiency. So keep it running smoothly with regular filter changes.

3. Regular Filter Changes Save You Money 

Despite the argument that changing your filter on a monthly basis costs you more money, in actuality, regularly changing your filter can save you money. By giving your HVAC system clean filters, your system does not have to work as hard to heat or cool your Lake Stevens, home.

Less stress on your system’s components extends their life, making them less likely to need premature replacement.

4.  Routine Filter Changes Promote a Green Footprint

Being a responsible steward of the planet is more important than ever. A dirty HVAC filter forces your system to work harder than necessary, increasing energy use and putting unnecessary strain on your equipment.

This not only raises your utility bills but also contributes to a larger environmental footprint.

Even though today’s HVAC systems are engineered for energy efficiency and sustainability, something as simple as regularly changing your air filter still helps your system run smoothly while supporting a greener, more eco-friendly home. It’s a small step with a big impact for both your comfort and the environment.

Call Lifetime Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric for All Your Air Filter Needs

Now it’s plain to see: so much of your indoor air quality and your HVAC system’s health depend on a clean filter. This everyday item wields mighty power and certainly deserves more attention and respect than it usually receives.

Give your filter that attention by replacing it on a regular basis, and the dividends will outweigh the investment. If you have any concerns or questions about your HVAC system’s filter, speak to one of the HVAC specialists from Lifetime Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric by calling 425-200-4999. You can also request service online for seasonal HVAC maintenance in Lake Stevens, WA.