With everything that is going on in the world, it is easy to overlook household tasks such as changing the filters in your home heating and cooling system. However, forgetting to change the filters can have negative consequences for your HVAC system, your home, and even your health. Here are three effects you can avoid by changing the filters regularly.

1. Less Efficient Heating and Cooling

Filters do a great job of removing dust, pollen, allergens, and other things you do not want circulating around your home from the air. Unfortunately, the result is that dust gradually builds up on the filter, preventing it from doing its job properly. This dust can also interfere with other parts of the HVAC system, blocking valves and preventing fan motors from running as designed. As a consequence, all parts of the system have to work harder to drive heated or cooled air around your home, leading to higher energy bills and energy wastage.

Filters are inexpensive to replace. Replacing a clogged filter with a new one could save you money by lowering the running costs of your home heating and cooling system.

2. Increased Wear and Tear

Running under the stress created by a build-up of dust subjects a home heating and cooling system to higher wear and tear than usual. When dust gets into the moving parts of the system, it can cause them to degrade faster than they should. As a result, it is likely that you will need to repair or replace either the entire HVAC unit or some of its parts earlier than you expect.

Replacing the filters on time is much less expensive than paying for repairs to a home HVAC system. If you do not feel comfortable changing the filters yourself, you can contact a heating and cooling service company to service the unit and change the filters for you.

3. Moisture Build-Up and Mould Growth

When you forget to change your HVAC filters, moisture builds up inside the unit, creating the perfect environment for mould to thrive. The fans then drive this mould around your home in the air that circulates, which can lead to allergy symptoms developing in some people. If you notice respiratory symptoms, itchy eyes, or irritation in your throat, these symptoms could mean that it is time to change your HVAC filters. Try fitting new filters to see if this helps with your symptoms.

To learn more about heating and cooling, contact an HVAC contractor.