5 Ways a Dirty Air Filter Could Affect Your Family’s Health

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By Jamie Barton

A clean air filter helps protect the air you breathe by trapping dirt and particulates before they make their way into your home. Over time, it can get clogged, restricting the proper flow of air to and from your HVAC system. Health experts recommend changing your home’s air filter once a month to help protect your family from airborne pollutants. 

Here are 5 ways a dirty air filter could affect your family’s health:

It can lower your indoor air quality.

Many people do not realize that a dirty air filter in your HVAC system can affect your indoor air quality. An air filter traps dirt, dust, and allergens inside your heating and cooling system. If a filter is dirty, these impurities are recirculated into the home. The longer you wait between changes of the filters, the more trapped impurities will be back-flowing into the house. One easy way to improve your indoor air quality is to check your HVAC filters regularly and change them at recommended intervals or switch them out as soon as they start to look worn or dirty.

It can facilitate mold and mildew growth.

If you have been noticing some mold growing on your ceiling at home, it is probably caused by dirty air filters in the heating and cooling system. By allowing polluted air in and out of your house, dirty AC filters can create the perfect environment for mold growth. A clean filter keeps your heating and cooling system working efficiently, reducing moisture and eliminating issues such as mold growth inside your home.

It can trigger allergic reactions.

Cleaning the air filters in your HVAC system is an important part of keeping healthy. HVAC can release allergy-causing particles into the air of your home, triggering allergies, asthma, and sinus issues. If you are allergic to dust, pollen, mold, or pet dander and suspect your house may be the cause of your symptoms, there is a good chance that dirty air filters are to blame. 

It can start a fire in your home.

If the airflow is impeded or restricted, in pre-electric furnaces, for example, the resulting pressure build-up can create enough heat to ignite a fire. Air filters not only catch particles — they capture a lot of lint and dust mites. This can at times impede airflow enough that dangerous pressure build-ups can occur. Keeping your air filter clean helps ensure that it doesn’t overheat and cause smoke and flames to shoot from your heating and cooling vents.

It can cause your furnace to blow cold air in winter.

The furnace is supposed to warm up your whole house. Thus, if your furnace starts blowing cold air, there is something wrong with your unit. Before you head for the thermostat, take a look at your air filter. Dirty air filters could be the reason your home isn’t as comfortable as it should be. If you haven’t emptied your furnace’s air filters lately, or if they’re very dirty, then there’s no question—your HVAC system has to work harder to fight against all that dust. That leaves you with chilly rooms, especially in the evening while you’re watching TV or reading a book. 

Get your furnace installation done right by hiring the pros

A clean, efficient furnace filters indoor air and keeps particles from circulating throughout your home. A healthy indoor environment helps improve the health of your family. However, constant use can cause your unit to wear down, so when you notice a decrease in heating efficiency or an increase in your energy bill, it’s time for a new furnace installation. Do not worry; your local professionals are always available to help you out when it comes to your heating system upgrade. Consult a trustworthy HVAC company today!

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