Filters are essential for maintaining good indoor air quality, but if neglected they can do much more harm than good.

Although it’s usually better to have something than nothing at all, this doesn’t always apply– particularly when it comes to indoor air quality. You may that by putting in air filters, you’re ensuring the air you and your family members breathe will always be high quality. However, if you don’t take steps to manage your filters and clean or replace them when necessary, you’ll actually be hurting your air quality.

CLOGGED FILTERS CAN COMPROMISE HEATING AND COOLING

When air filters get too dirty, your HVAC system ends up straining to deliver the air it cooled or heated. This results in inconsistent comfort and areas in which the air is too hot or cold, regardless of the thermostat’s settings. Furthermore, blocked air passages can limit an air conditioner’s ability to decrease the impact of humidity in the air.

IF DIRTY FILTERS AREN’T ADDRESSED, YOUR AIR CAN BECOME UNHEALTHY

If air filters become too dirty and aren’t replaced or cleaned, the same dirt and dust they filter out will come back into the system. From there it circulates through your home, which is a big problem — especially when there are people in the house with breathing problems, like asthma. Allergens can also be an issue, and new health problems can emerge in elderly or very young individuals after prolonged exposure.

Maintaining your filters is the best course of action if you wish to maintain good air quality. It can be tricky to determine which size and type of filter is the ideal fit for your system, but luckily there’s help out there! For more information about what you can do to ensure the best indoor air quality in your home, contact the professionals at Certified Electric today.