When it comes to HVAC issues, there are very few times where a repair call isn’t warranted. Even the smallest refrigerant leak will become a huge issue if left ignored. However, calling in for repairs on what turns out to be a clogged air filter is the pinnacle of frustration. You will most likely still have to pay a service fee for what could have been done by yourself.

The reason this happens is that a clogged air filter can mimic many other HVAC system problems. Frozen evaporator coils are often caused by refrigerant leaks—a true HVAC emergency—but can also easily occur due to a dirty air filter. Skip that mess entirely by having your air filter changed regularly.

Your air conditioner won’t care that the filter is clogged. It will keep bringing in more air to reach the temperature on your thermostat, even if it takes longer. The increased running-time of your system will contribute to larger energy bills every month. Clogged air filters don’t always create symptoms, so it’s often at the energy bill where homeowners realize they’re having any kind of problem at all.

On that note, anything that causes your HVAC system to work longer and harder than usual is often going to take a toll on the lifespan of your system. It will do this by creating more wear-and-tear on the system, which will gradually degrade crucial components or parts of the system.

For example, let’s say that a clogged air filter is forcing your system to go through short-cycling symptoms. That would mean that your system is turning on and off at a rapid rate. There are several problems here that will contribute to a lower quality of life for your system:

To truly know how often you should change your air filter, it’s best to consult with an HVAC contractor in Whittier, CA. There are many factors like the air quality around your home, the number of inhabitants and their immune systems, and the number of pets in the household.