Don’t Forget to Change Your Heater’s Air Filter!
If you have followed our blog at all, then you know that we always stress just how important it is to schedule your heating and air conditioning services with trained professionals. This includes the installation of new equipment, the replacement of old equipment, and the maintenance and repairs of current equipment. This is not to say that there is nothing that you can handle on your own when it comes to your system, though. In fact, one incredibly important task is totally DIY-appropriate.
That is changing your air filter, and the fact is that doing so is every bit as simple as it is vital for the successful operation of your forced air HVAC systems. These include central air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces. Since we’re in the heating season, keep the latter in mind, and remember that mild winters don’t mean you should take any chances with your heating equipment. Read on to learn more about how a fresh filter will benefit your heater in Apex, NC.
Don’t Make Airflow Harder Than It Has to Be!
A dirty air filter increases airflow resistance in a forced air heating system. What does that mean? Basically, that your heater is going to have to work harder than it should have to in order to distribute heated air throughout your home. This is a drawback for a few different reasons.
First of all, increased airflow resistance is really going to drive up your energy costs. The harder that your heater has to work to warm up your home, the more energy it is going to use in doing so! If you want to get the most efficient performance that your heater has to offer, changing the air filter regularly is a no-brainer!
Plus, the added strain that you’ll put on your home heating system as a direct result of that dirty air filter actually makes the risk of repair needs greater. When your system is working under greater stress than usual, it takes its toll. Basically, you are going to be getting a lesser heating performance from a system that isn’t as reliable and is costing more to run. Sounds like a pretty lousy deal to us!
Plus, There’s the Matter of Short Cycling!
Short cycling is the situation in which your heater is starting and stopping too frequently. Basically, your dirty air filter can cause the heater to overheat as it operates. That results in it cycling down to protect itself from damages caused by overheating. Then, it is going to start back up, and cycle back down as the problem repeats.
Now, your heater should not be running constantly. If it is, then there is a problem. However, it also should not be cycling on and off rapidly. If it is, change your filter to see if the problem is resolved. There are other, more serious potential causes of short cycling. If this quick fix is the solution to your problem, consider yourself lucky!