While you prepare to hit the beach and use sunscreen this summer, also prepare to do some cleaning. Cleaning where? Your HVAC system. It needs to be cleaned and your residential air filters need to be replaced this summer.

Here’s why:

• In the majority of regions in the United States, the central air conditioner operates for longer cycles and more hours on a normal summer day than the furnace does during the winter. Longer cycles and longer running hours result in a larger daily volume of air passing through the system and a bigger number of airborne particles being caught by the filter. To achieve optimal filtration, it is advised to change residential air filters more frequently throughout the summer.
• The relative humidity indoors is higher during the warmer months. As moist air travels through the system's ductwork, the filter media may become contaminated with moisture, bacterial growth, mildew, and other pathogens over time. Additionally, a moist or wet filter catches airborne particles less efficiently.
• Pollen and mould spores are naturally more numerous in the warmer months of the cooling season than in winter when plants and fungus are dormant. A filter laden with pollen and mould spores may actually function as a breeding ground for these microorganisms, so continuously compromising the indoor air quality. 

Changing your residential air filter monthly throughout the summer will reduce the allergen load inside your home.

4 Reasons To Change The Filter In Your Home

Changing your air filter will keep you cool in the summer, as well as ensure that your system is operating as efficiently as possible, hence avoiding energy waste. Here are four reasons to regularly change your air filter:

1. A Clean Filter Prevents Dust And Dander From Recirculating In The Home.

Air filters are not meant to continuously filter the air, since dust accumulates. The accumulation of dirt, dander and mould on filters causes indoor air pollution, which is the cause of common symptoms such as sinus congestion and increased allergy difficulties. So how do you maintain a clean air filter? Some systems contain air filters that can be removed and cleaned, while others require replacement. Initially, washable electrostatic air filters can be pricey, but if you decide to purchase one of these filters from Custom Filters Direct, it is possible that it will outlast your HVAC system. As with anything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to these types of HVAC filters, so do your study. 

2. A Clogged HVAC Unit Can Freeze If Not Cleaned. 

Layers upon layers of dust accumulating on a filter can cause dust to be pushed into the ductwork, causing obstructions or cycling particles back into the residence. A buildup on a filter generates a buildup within an air conditioner, resulting in a decrease in internal temperature. Hence, the system, specifically the coils of a unit, may freeze. Even if the coils do not freeze as a result of restricted airflow, the air conditioner will not cool or heat as efficiently, limiting your home's comfort. 

3. An Ineffective Hvac Implies High Electric Bills. 

When an air filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, the HVAC system begins to slow down and the entire system must work considerably harder. The machine begins to pump additional air in an effort to clear obstructions. Your electric bill will spike when the system operates harder and more often. As a result of dirt acting as an insulator, the heat transfer of airflow through the unit is disturbed. To minimize high electric expenses as a result of a clogged air filter, it is ideal to replace the filter frequently.

4. A Poorly Maintained HVAC System Will Inevitably Fail Over Time. 

Due to the issues caused by a blocked air filter, the lifespan of an HVAC system can be shortened considerably. If properly maintained and repaired, systems should last 15 to 25 years. Keeping your air filter clean is wise, given that the cost of a replacement air filter is significantly less than that of an HVAC system, or even changing sections of an HVAC system.

Conclusion

Is your HVAC system’s air filter the right fit? Call Custom Filters Direct if you are having trouble with your air filters. We want to make sure your HVAC system is working properly and keeping your home cool during the sweltering months of the year.

partnered post • cc-licensed image by jcomp at Freepik