The air filters for your home’s heating and cooling system are one of its most important parts. They keep the airborne particulates from depositing themselves inside the air handler, which decreases its efficiency and hastens wear and tear. A dirty air filter also contributes to lower indoor air quality. Filters are the easiest and most affordable way to keep your system running dependably.

When dirt collects inside the air handler, it slows the heating and cooling process because the airflow slows. If you heat with a combustible fuel, dirt can collect on the heat exchanger, which retards the heating process. When the metal stays hot too long, fatigue sets in. Eventually the heat exchanger can crack, which may lead to carbon monoxide leaking into your home’s air supply. By law, the furnace will be red-tagged and you won’t be able to run your furnace until the part or furnace is replaced.

Dust collecting on the evaporator coil can inhibit cooling during the summer. The coil can freeze over if the refrigerant can’t collect enough of the heat in your home fast enough. A frozen coil causes your compressor to run continually, driving up your electric bills and wearing out the compressor faster.

Some people check their air filters monthly when they get their electric bills. Even when your home is tightly closed during the heating and cooling season, airborne particles are always in the air and being created daily. Dust comes from the fabric in your home, your skin, dust mites and pets.

When you change the air filters, be sure that you replace the old one with the precise size that your system requires. A filter that doesn’t fit tightly inside the frame lets in particulates that can coat the parts inside the air handler and the ductwork, prompting the need for professional cleaning. Breathing cleaner indoor air also lowers the irritants that aggravate allergies, sinus problems and asthma.

To learn more about air filters and their importance, contact Smoky Mountain Heating & Air. We provide HVAC services for the Asheville region and can help you select the best air filters for your system.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

Image courtesy of Shutterstock