SURE, IT CAN BE A CHORE TO SWAP OUT YOUR AIR FILTER on a regular basis, but it’s one task that smart homeowners will accept gladly – since it can help boost your air conditioning system’s efficiency and, consequently, become a gradual reduction in your expenses.

The basic purpose of an HVAC’s air filter is to catch airborne debris and impurities, keeping it all from either accumulating in and damaging the system or from recirculating throughout the home. Understandably, all of the dirt, dust, hair, and other elements collect on the filter over time, steadily making it more and more difficult for air to flow through.

Logically, as more and more gunk accumulates on the filter, the HVAC system has to work harder and harder just to function normally. It has to use more power to draw air through the clogged filter – and the monthly energy bills will show it.

There are other costs, too. Not only does the unit become more inefficient as it fights the dirty filter, that ongoing strain will increase the wear-and-tear on the system, gradually decreasing its lifespan. Likewise, a struggling HVAC operation can overheat, it can short-circuit, it can freeze up – situations that will require additional maintenance, sometimes costly.

Naturally, summer in Texas keeps air conditioning running regularly in the average home. All that extra usage adds up, meaning filters get clogged faster. Which, of course, means it’s advisable to change the filter more frequently.

If it’s been more than 90 days since the last change, odds are it’s time to swap it out. At the very least, take a peek: if it’s gray, spotted, or showing additional accumulation, change it. Meanwhile, if people in the home are experience more allergies, it might be a good idea to go ahead and change it. Obviously, if the HVAC is clearly struggling or under performing compared to last year, check the filter first.

TAKE CHARGE.

Get air filters delivered to your home. Learn more about filter change in the Efficiency Hub.