Please, change your air filter

​As a homeowner you might not think much about the air filter on your HVAC equipment (furnace and air conditioner).  After all it’s out of sight and out of mind, right? As a home inspector, I have pulled out some really dirty, blocked air filters.

2022 Dirtiest Air Filter of the Year Winner

Changing your air filter regularly is essential for maintaining your HVAC system’s health and helps you ensure your home’s air quality.  Here are a couple of reasons why changing your air filter is so important.

Improved Air Quality:  Your air filter is responsible for filtering out airborne particles, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. Over time, your filter becomes clogged with these particles, which can reduce your indoor air quality. By changing your air filter regularly, you can improve the air quality in your home and reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.

HVAC System Health:  A clogged air filter can also cause damage to your HVAC system. When your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through a dirty filter, it can put extra strain on the system's components, causing them to wear out more quickly.  For example, the blower motor can be damaged when the air filter is dirty. By changing your filter regularly, you can help avoid costly repairs.

True story here…in my pre-home inspector life and a first time homeowner, I forgot to change out a dirty air filter.  During one of the coldest days of the year, my furnace shut down and I had to sit in a cold house waiting for the HVAC service person.  When he arrived, I watched him replace the dirty filter, start the furnace and then give me an invoice for a service call that took 5 minutes.  It was a bit embarrassing and all because I didn’t change the air filter.

Changing your air filter regularly is essential for maintaining your HVAC system’s health and improving your indoor air quality. Make sure to check your air filter on a regular basis and replace it as needed to keep your home and family safe and healthy.