An air filter works as a security guard to rid your house of various pollutants and particles. This vital piece of equipment doesn’t always seem pleasant to clean. A restricted air filter causes different types of problems. Let’s take a look at some of the issues that you may face.

5  Common Signs of a Dirty Air Filter

It is a significant concern when you have a faulty air filter. A dirty air filter needs to be replaced quickly because it can cause a lot of problems  A list of signs of a dirty air filter is given below:

• A dirty air filter: A dirty air filter looks far different from the air filter that accumulates dirt and dust. A dirty air filter looks darker in color. The inner layers of the filter paper inside the air filter sometimes have dirt and dust, which is not visible in the light. In that case, you must check the filter and ensure proper maintenance. Make sure to follow all the instructions of the manufacturer.
• Terrible smell: Replacing the air filter can give your HVAC system longevity and better performance. A foul smell can come out of the filter if it is dirty. It can’t prevent pollutants or harmful debris when it is dirty. A dirty air filter makes it harder for the HVAC system to perform its role well.
• Lower power: If the system is not functioning as it should, this might be an indication that the filter is not getting the necessary amount of air to accomplish its job properly.
• Unusual sounds: In normal circumstances, you sense the smooth rotation of the engine. If you notice that the engine is not sounding smooth and making subtle vibrations or popping noises, you should understand that the filter must be clogged.

Problems Of a Clogged Air Filter

As you have already got the ideas about the symptoms of a clogged or dirty air filter, you should also go through the suggestions to prevent the clogs in the air filter. There are lots of problems that can occur from a dirty air filter:

High Utility Bill: The air filter of your unit needs proper care like other machinery. Improper care can damage the air filter and cause a waste of money. The air filter will face some problems when it heats or cools the house.

As the working process gets changed for the clog, the entire system has to struggle a lot to pull adequate air throughout the house. As a result, you must count more bills in total. It would be best if you changed the air filters often. Otherwise, you have to break the deposit and spend the money on your filter.

Reduction in the airflow: A dirty air filter is responsible for reducing airflow in your house. This can ultimately cause health issues like fatigue, breathing difficulties, asthma, headache, cold, etc. The health issues can be even more severe if you have a person with existing health issues.

Poor air quality: A dirty air filter can never give you fresh air. An air filter works to filter out the particles and contaminants of your house. It also lowers the smoke’s intensity. If you have a clogged or blocked air filter, the recirculation of your house occurs within your house. As a result, you can’t enjoy the fresh air.

Less longevity: A dirty air filter can’t run smoothly, which creates stress on different parts of the equipment. The system’s struggle for air is stressful, and thus, it reduces the lifespan of the HVAC system. Installing a new air filter will decrease this stress and ensure the system’s longevity.

Bacterial species’ growth: During the summer cooling period, you might see that your air filter is too congested, and there is a lack of airflow in the cooling coils. This might lead to the growth of a wide variety of bacterial species. Moreover, when your house’s airflow doesn’t circulate adequately, the AC unit can’t reduce heat from the air and make the air cool. The total system will break down in this way.

How To Know the Air Filter Needs Changing?

Typically, we see a new air filter is white or off-white. The color gets changed if it becomes dirty, and at that time, that air filter requires replacement. If you see the air filter is white but slightly dirty, you can keep it you can quickly release the loose debris.

However, replacing or changing the air filter is a must when the filter is caked with dirt, debris, or other contaminants. There are lots of other symptoms which can severely damage the air filter. So, you need to know well when the air filter needs replacement.

How Often to Change an Air Filter?

If you notice any of the signs described above, you should not waste time and quickly change the air filter. The manufacturers vary in the recommendations on how often you need to change the air filter. Inspect your air filter as soon as possible within the recommended time. You can do a quick inspection of the air filter by yourself. If you fail to examine the filter, you can take help from a residential air filter supplier to look at it.

When attempting to do it yourself, you need to follow the thorough step-by-step guide to remove the air filter. You can take help from many DIY online videos to make the process even cleaner. You can change the air filter monthly or once in three months. There are lots of air filters available in the market that can give long-lasting performance.

Conclusion

To learn more about the warning indications of a filthy air filter, it’s best to consult with an experienced expert. You can ask many questions regarding any of the topics related to a dirty air filter from them. You can also design custom furnace filters with the exact measurements you need. You do not have to worry if you have an odd air filter size. Reputed manufacturers like Custom Filters Direct can provide you with custom air filters for your house and ensure perfect furnace filter sizes.

Have you noticed the warning signs of a dirty air filter?

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