What Happens if You Forget to Replace Your HVAC Air Filter?

At California Energy Consultant Service in Sacramento, we understand that your HVAC system plays a pivotal role in maintaining a comfortable and healthy living environment. HVAC systems are complex, and ongoing maintenance and repairs are important for maintaining the efficiency of the system.

One of the most overlooked yet essential components of your HVAC system is the air filter. While it may seem like a minor detail, forgetting to replace your HVAC air filter can lead to a range of issues, some of which can significantly impact both your system’s efficiency and your home’s indoor air quality.

Effects of an Old Air Filter

Air filters have a lifespan. Traditionally, you are supposed to change your air filter every month to every 3 months or so, depending on the type of air filter and system. Every month is considered a best practice, but every 3 months is an absolute must.

You may need to replace it a bit more often during allergy season, if you have a pet, or if it’s fire season (since it may gather a lot of smoke). You will also need to replace it more often if you leave your window open often, since it may be gathering pollens and dust from the outdoors.

There’s no exact science, but it’s best to err on the side of caution. So what happens if you end up leaving a dirty air filter in your HVAC system for too long?

• Reduced Energy Efficiency – First and foremost, a clogged air filter will make your HVAC system work harder than it needs to. This inefficiency can result in an increase in your energy bills, undermining your efforts to maintain an eco-friendly home.
• Impaired Air Quality – An old, dirty filter is less effective at trapping pollutants, which means it will circulate more dust, allergens, and even odors throughout your home. This diminished air quality can exacerbate respiratory issues and decrease the overall comfort of your living space.
• Overworked HVAC System – As the HVAC system strains to push air through a blocked filter, the entire system has to work harder. This increased workload can lead to overheating and, ultimately, a breakdown of your HVAC system, incurring unnecessary repair or replacement costs.
• Increased Wear and Tear – The additional strain on your HVAC system will accelerate the rate of wear and tear on its components. This means you may find yourself dealing with frequent breakdowns and possibly even the premature failure of the system.
• Reduced Cooling and Heating Effectiveness – A clogged air filter will compromise the flow of air through the HVAC system. You may start to notice that some rooms are too cold while others are too hot, reflecting an uneven distribution of air.
• Potential for Mold Growth – When air can’t flow freely through the system, moisture can accumulate. In a humid environment like Sacramento, this can create an ideal breeding ground for mold, posing health risks and creating unpleasant odors.
• Impacted Warranty – Many HVAC warranties specify that the system must be properly maintained. Failure to replace your air filter regularly could void your warranty, leaving you on the hook for any necessary repairs or replacements.

Clogged air filters can cause the cooling systems to freeze when the AC is running, which ultimately causes the system to stop working and, in some cases, can cause water to leak out of the air system and potentially damage it. In some cases, leaving an air filter in for too long can cause your HVAC to break, and possibly require expensive repairs or replacement.

From Air Filters to Ongoing Maintenance – Your HVAC Matters

It’s easy to overlook the importance of such a small component, but the repercussions can be both costly and inconvenient. Air filters are also the one way that homeowners can help to maintain their property in between their HVAC maintenance visits.

At California Energy Consultant Service, we offer a range of services, including HVAC maintenance plans that involve regular air filter checks and replacements. Such preventative measures can go a long way in ensuring the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system, as well as the health and comfort of your household. If you’re in Sacramento or the surrounding areas and are concerned about your HVAC maintenance, reach out to us for professional guidance and solutions.