• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Filters Fast

The Filtered Files - FiltersFast

Free Shipping on orders over $99 | FREE 365-DAY RETURNS
Filters Fast Logo Header

#1 Online filtration retailer in the US!

  • My Account
    Track Order Re-Order Now My Account

    New Customer?

    Create an account during checkout!

  • Support
    Speak to a Customer Service Representative

    866-438-3458


    Support FAQ
  • Cart
  • Refrigerator Filters
    • Whirlpool
    • MaytagMaytag Logo
    • SamsungSamsung Logo
    • GEGE Logo
    • FrigidaireFrigidaire Logo
    • KenmoreKenmore Logo
    • LGLG Logo
    • KitchenAidKitchenAid Logo
    • View All Brands
  • Air Filters
    • FiltersFast AirFiltersFast Logo
    • AprilAireAprilAire Logo
    • HoneywellHoneywell Logo
    • TrionTrion Logo
    • LennoxLennox Logo
    • FiltreteFiltrete Logo
    • CarrierCarrier Logo
    • BryantBryant Logo
    • TraneTrane Logo
    • GeneralaireGeneralaire Logo
    • View All Brands
  • Water Filters
    • Whole House Filters
    • Under Sink Filters
    • Counter Top Filters
    • Pitcher Filters
    • Reverse Osmosis Filters
    • Faucet Filters
    • Shower Filters
    • Universal / In-line Filters
    • RV / Marine Filters
    • View All Brands
  • Pool & Spa Filters
  • More Products
    • Replacement Filters
      Commercial HEPA Filters Furnace Filters Humidifier Filters Air Purifier Filters Refrigerator Air Filters Range Hood Filters Microwave Filters Bag Filters Car Air Filters Vacuum Filters Coffee Filters
      Filtration Systems
      Humidifiers Air Purifiers Counter Top Water Filter Systems Hydroponic Filter Systems Reverse Osmosis Filter Systems Whole House Water Filter Systems UV Air Treatment UV Water Treatment
      Home Essentials
      Water Softeners Vacuum Bags Ice Makers Air Test Kits Water Test Kits Thermostats Pitchers Faucets Dishwasher Air Gaps Cleansers & Sanitizers Appliance Cleaners
      Featured Categories
      Home Wellness Air Filtration Masks Water Distillers Filter Housings Wrenches
  • The Filtered Files
  • Home
  • About
  • Water
  • Air
  • Just For You
  • BUSINESS OWNERS

What Happens if I Don’t Change My Air Filter?

April 9, 2014 by Angie 5 Comments

goodbadfiltersIf you are like most homeowners, you know that you are generally supposed to change your air filters about every 3 months.  If you are like me, occasionally, that does not happen!  It’s very easy to overlook this home maintenance task when you are not face to face with the filters every day.

So what’s the big deal?  Do I REALLY need to change them that frequently?  In an effort to answer this, let’s take a look at what happens if you do not.

System Inefficiency & Failure:

When your air filter becomes dirty and clogged with debris, air cannot flow through properly.  This is the number one reason for system inefficiency and failure. The added strain on the fan motor can cause it to overheat and eventually fail to operate. In the mean time, stressing the system forces more energy consumption leading to higher electricity costs and utility bills.

Poor Air Quality:

Today’s air filters are specially designed to remove many harmful contaminates from indoor air.  Allowing your air filters to become dirty decreases contaminate catching efficiency of the filter media. Depending on the MERV rating, contaminates that are removed include:

  • Lint and Dust
  • Pollen
  • Pet Dander
  • Mold
  • Dust Mites
  • Auto Emissions
  • Smoke
  • Bacteria

Dirty House:

Dirt, dust and debris from dirty air filters cause heating and air conditioning system and air ducts to become dirty faster.  This dirt and dust in turn, will be re-circulated into your home out of the ventilation systems causing a much dustier living space.

Bad for the Environment:

Dirty air filters increase your carbon footprint because they force the system to work harder using more energy.

As you can see there are legitimate reasons why it is necessary to replace your furnace and air filters on a regular basis.  Improving indoor air quality by removing harmful contaminates, keeping your house clean longer, saving money on high utility bills and decreasing your carbon footprint are all good reasons to make sure you replace your filters.  Most require either monthly changes or every 3 months.  This will depend on the type of filter you use.  Follow the manufacturer guidelines.

Visit FiltersFast.com to find standard and custom sized filters and a wide variety of brands to choose from.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David Sayre says

    February 26, 2016 at 9:23 am

    I have a supply of furnace filters size 16x20x1 bought in december of last year. I change them every 3 months. Therefore I have 5 more changes to go before I will need more. I use two filters per change at a little over a dollar per filter.

  2. Kory says

    May 13, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    We offer competitive prices on many air filters. What size are you looking for? Included is the link to our air filters category page. It list the filters we carry, and we can also create custom-sized air filters for you as well. http://www.filtersfast.com/Furnace-Filters-cat.asp

  3. Dennis Montgomery Jr. says

    May 11, 2014 at 9:14 pm

    Dear representative:
    I have two air conditioner systems in my home. One for the original space which takes care of about 2075 sq feet and another that takes care of 1700 square feet. They augment one another. How can I get a bargin on filters for both systems?

  4. Angie says

    April 30, 2014 at 8:57 am

    Thank you for your question. I have checked with our inhouse expert.
    “All of the MERV 8 and 13 filters initially have a very low pressure resistance when they are clean. The MERV 13 will collect contaminants at a higher efficiency which will cause more resistance as the filter becomes dirtier faster. This may result in changing the MERV 13 filters more often. BUT, If lower grade filters have previously been used, there is likely a collection of debris and dust that have already collected on the Coils of the HVAC unit. Having this cleaned will allow the system to flow better and then the higher MERV 13 will prevent a collection of dust on the coils from occurring to maintain the system efficiency.”

  5. bob curt says

    April 29, 2014 at 11:19 am

    I already said…how do m13 filters put less stress on the fan motors than m8 filters

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Are you using the best filter for your local water?

Enter your zip code to find out.

Go

Helpful Links

  • American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
  • American Water Resources Association (AWRA)
  • American Water Works Association (AWWA)
  • EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
  • EPA Office of Indoor Air Quality
  • Filters Fast — Buy Air & Water Filters
  • National Air Filtration Association
  • National Ground Water Association (NGWA)

Footer

Products
Refigerator Water Filters Air Filters Water Filters Pool & Spa Filters Home Wellness
Company
Our Story Our Mission & Values Business Services Affiliate Program
Giving Back
Wine to Water Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Habitat for Humanity
Re-Order Filters Login. Confirm Order. Done! Blog Learn more about our filtered files blog. Home Filter Club Filtration essentials delivered on a customizable schedule.
Contact Us

FAQs

Additional Questions? Email Us or call 866-438-3458

Twitter facebook youtube instagram
twitter facebook youtube instagram
Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sitemap Model Lookup

©2005-2022 Filters Fast LLC - All Rights Reserved