The Dangers of Not Changing Your HVAC Filter

Learn about why changing your home's HVAC filter is important and how often you should do so in order to keep your system running efficiently.

The Dangers of Not Changing Your HVAC Filter

If you don't change the AC filter, it will start to fail. You will no longer be able to filter the air properly, allowing dust and contaminants to enter the air conditioner. Dust clogs moving parts of an air conditioner, such as motors and fan valves. Airflow is restricted, creating a strain on the system.

Replacing the air filter and having the HVAC system inspected regularly are part of a preventive maintenance routine. Failure to change the air filter can damage other parts of the system and can result in a large repair bill later on. Changing air filters regularly can help preserve the life of your system and make it work more efficiently. The danger of not changing the air filter in the house for a long time is that it will eventually lead to damage to the oven.

This means that the entire system will be destroyed by excess heat. Probably the biggest danger of not changing your oven's air conditioning filter is that it can damage your HVAC system and reduce your life expectancy. In my opinion, as a licensed home inspector, if you don't regularly change the filter, you can reduce the life expectancy of your air conditioner from 6 to 12 years. If the air cleaner is not serviced often enough, it will eventually become clogged to the point where air cannot pass through it.

When the oven is operating, the lack of air flow will trap heat in the system. As the temperature inside the system continues to rise, the limit switch will turn the oven on and off to prevent it from overheating. This will temporarily mitigate the problem, but will not resolve the root of the problem. Without a new air filter, the oven will overheat every time it is turned on again.

This is known as short cycling. And often, I notice that HVAC filters aren't even properly installed with missing filter caps and slots. While it is possible to operate the system without a filter in the air conditioner, HVAC experts do not recommend it at all. In general, filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower are considered HVAC system grade filters for residential, commercial, and general hospital use.

In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. Replacing the entire system can cost you enormous amounts of money, and it's almost the same as buying a new HVAC unit. If you notice that your HVAC system isn't working as efficiently, changing your air filters could solve the problem. Putting a filter that is too small for your HVAC can be harmful because it will allow dirt and dust to enter your unit.

Fortunately, most modern HVAC units have innovative technology that will help you know when to replace them. So “How often should I change my oven filter?” This is a question that many homeowners ask and the answer depends on several factors. It's not used to purify the air you breathe, but to protect the sensitive components of your HVAC system. However, there are times when your HVAC will show warning signs that filters need to be changed.