Not sure who said that or it is from my subconscious. This simple little task may save you thousands of dollars.  We may not always be aware that our dirty air filter is in need of replacement, but it is something worthy of tracking.  Signs of replacement for an air filter may not be completely obvious, unless we look for them. Some thermostats remind you, or you could schedule in your phone to check monthly.

The reality is that air filters should be replaced or cleaned on a regular basis, most every 1-3 months. The frequency that air filters require maintenance or replacement can depend on several factors such as usage of the system, allergies, weather, personal preference, and more. Rental companies offer this service for a fee ( you should still check, they have a few more homes to look after)

The purpose of an air filter is to filter the air being circulated by heating and cooling systems. The filter serves to trap particles, outputting cleaner, fresher air into your home or office.

Failing to properly maintain an air filter can impact more than just air quality though.

The good news is that replacing a filter is rather simple and inexpensive. 

Read on as we recap  ways a dirty air filter can ruin your life. 

•  Dirty Air Filters Compromise Indoor Air Quality
  

Air filters trap particles that would otherwise be pushed out of heating and cooling systems. The result is cleaner air being released into the environment. Some air filters can trap smaller particles than others. To determine the compatibility of an air filter, review the MERV rating. A higher MERV rating indicates that the filter can trap smaller particles, thus outputting cleaner air. 

•  Dirty Air Filters Lead to Higher Energy Bills
  

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, thus causing your HVAC system to work harder. As a result, you may notice an increase in energy bills. 

• Dirty Air Filters Shorten HVAC System Lifespan
  

Similar to a dirty air filter leading to higher energy bills, they can also shorten the lifespan of your HVAC system. If the system has to work harder, it can shorten its lifespan. In addition, if the filter becomes clogged, it may have to work even harder, further shortening the HVAC’s lifespan. The salt air hurts your unit why add to that if you can assist.

•  Dirty Air Filters Decrease Heating and Cooling Efficiency
  

When your heating and cooling system has to work harder, and air is not flowing through at maximum capacity, efficiency decreases. As your air filter becomes dirty, this is the result. This can be part of a domino effect that leads to increased energy bills and more wear and tear on your heating and cooling system.

•  Dirty Air Filters Promote Mold and Mildew Growth
  

When air filters are dirty they can accumulate moisture in the duct system. This can cause mold and mildew to grow. Since air is being circulated through the system, this can create poor indoor air quality.  Poor air quality increases respertory issues. A good sign you have this issue is when you cut the AC on, the air will have a slight moisture smell.  Call the HVAC person and have it inspected if this is the case.

• Dirty Air Filters Cause Increased Noise Levels
  

A telling sign that an air filter needs replacement is a louder or noisier HVAC system. A dirty air filter can make it harder for air to flow through. If the system is working harder, it can be signaled by noises. 

•  Dirty Air Filters Restrict Airflow and Ventilation
  

Air filters are designed to trap particles as air is blown out of the heating and cooling system. Overtime, the filter accumulates these trapped particles. The dirty filter can make it harder for air to circulate through the filter. Therefore, airflow and ventilation can be restricted as the result of a dirty air filter. In some cases you can clean the existing air filter to improve airflow, however, the air filter may need replacement. 

•  Dirty Air Filters Cause Accumulation of Unpleasant Odors
  

When an air filter becomes dirty, air may still be able to pass through it. However, it can cause trapped particles to loosen and release in the air. This can result in less than desirable odors. Odors can be a telling sign that the air filter needs replacement or maintenance. 

•  Dirty Air Filters Lead to Financial Implications Beyond Energy Bills
  

As we’ve reviewed, dirty air filters can shorten the lifespan of HVAC systems and increase energy bills. Both of which can put strain on a family’s budget. Repairing or replacing an HVAC system is far costlier than replacing the filter on a regular basis. 

•  Dirty Air Filters Can Cause Allergies 
  

Dirty air filters can lead to poor air quality which in turn can worsen or cause allergies. If you already struggle with allergies, it’s especially important to change your air filter on a regular basis. In addition, you may want to opt for a filter with a higher MERV rating. 

Final Thoughts

Now that you better understand the importance of a clean air filter, it’s time to make remembering to replace yours simple.  Check on them regularly for the best practice. There are companies online that you can order and they will ship on a schedule.  I use one such company for my home, rentals and the office.  This makes remembering to change them easy.