What time of year comes to mind when you think of seasonal allergies? If you said spring, think again. For many allergy sufferers, the fall season is the worst time of the year. Ragweed, cedar, mold and mildew come out to play every fall. Cooler days also lead to spending more time indoors around common allergens like dust mites and pet dander.
One of the most effective defenses against fall allergens is your home’s HVAC filters. These filters remove contaminants from both the fresh air that enters your home from outdoors and the indoor air that circulates throughout your home. However, HVAC filters become dirty and clogged over time, which reduces their ability to trap allergens. Here are 10 signs it’s time to get ahead of fall allergies with some fresh, new filters.
1. Reduced or Inconsistent Airflow
Does the flow of air from your vents feel weaker than normal? Decreased airflow is one of the first signs of a clogged or dirty HVAC filter. Filters work by providing a permeable layer that traps contaminants while letting clean air through. When a filter is at the end of its life, the amount of debris trapped within it prevents air from flowing freely.
2. Increased Accumulation of Dust and Debris
If you have a difficult time keeping up with dusting and vacuuming, a dirty HVAC filter might be the problem. A dirty filter can’t remove as much debris from the air, which leaves all the dust, pet fur and pollen to collect on your home’s surfaces. All this extra debris not only makes it harder to clean but also worsens symptoms for allergy sufferers.
Trading your old, grungy HVAC filters for clean new ones can help you breathe easier, but why stop there? Consider improving your indoor air quality even further with a thicker filter that removes more contaminants.
3. Sudden Rise in Energy Usage
Using filters for as long as possible might seem like a smart way to save money, but those aging, dirty filters cost more in the long run by raising your energy bill. Clogged filters make your HVAC work harder to circulate air through the vents, which leads to decreased efficiency and a spike in your energy bill. If your bill is rising with no explanation, check your HVAC filters first.
While you’re checking your filters, don’t forget other important HVAC maintenance tasks. A well-maintained HVAC system is an efficient HVAC system, which helps keep your Bridgeville, PA home comfortable through fall’s chilliest days without breaking the bank. At Coleman Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re here to serve all your HVAC maintenance needs. Schedule your seasonal tune-up, or make maintenance easy by joining our CM Comfort Club.
4. Unpleasant Odors
What’s that smell? If you haven’t changed your HVAC filters in a while, the answer might be your air vents. All the contaminants that collect in a filter can start to give off foul odors over time. This is an especially common problem if you live in an older house or have problems with mold and mildew.
Although you might be tempted to cover up the odor with an air freshener, spraying fragrance only covers up the odor. Replace your HVAC filters when they start to smell, even if it’s only been a month or two since you last replaced them. These foul odors are more than just unpleasant. The contaminants that cause them can make allergies and respiratory problems worse.
5. Strange Sounds Coming From Vents
Smells aren’t the only unusual thing you might notice if your air filters need to be changed. Strange sounds are another common indicator of dirty filters. When your HVAC has difficulty taking in air due to a bad filter, the filter can shift around and create a racket. If you’ve been blaming those odd noises on your kids, pets or paranormal activity, it’s time to take a look at your filters.
Here are some sounds that commonly occur when HVAC filters are clogged or dirty:
- Whistling
- Popping or banging
- Hissing
- Muffled sounds
- Rattling
6. Visible Debris Around Intake Vent
HVAC filters lose their ability to trap contaminants as they age, and sometimes it shows. Visible debris buildup around the intake vent is a sure sign that a filter is past its prime. When dust, dirt and hair start accumulating around your vents, they can blow back into the air, making fall allergy symptoms even worse.
7. Frequent Cycling
Did you know that a bad air filter can shorten the life of your HVAC system? A clogged filter can cause your HVAC to cycle on and off frequently, which causes excessive wear and tear on its components. Something as simple as changing filters regularly can help you get more service years out of your HVAC system.
8. Blowing Cold Air in Heating Mode
No one wants to be met with a blast of cool air on a chilly fall day, and cold temperatures can make the sniffling and sneezing of fall allergies even worse. When your HVAC can’t take in adequate fresh air because of a clogged filter, it can overheat and shut off while the fans keep blowing. This causes cold air to blow from your vents. If you feel a cold draft or your heater can’t keep up with the set temperature, try changing the air filter first.
9. New or Worsening Respiratory Symptoms
Does anyone in your household struggle with coughing, sneezing, a runny nose or difficulty breathing? Your HVAC system is supposed to help keep indoor air clean by removing contaminants, but it can’t do its job if the filters are dirty. This can worsen respiratory symptoms or lead to new ones. Keeping your filters clean and fresh is especially important for allergy and asthma sufferers.
10. You Can’t Remember When You Last Changed Your Filters
When was the last time you changed your HVAC filters? If you don’t remember, it’s probably time to change them again. Thin fiberglass filters need to be swapped out at least every three months, but homes with pets or high humidity may need to change them even more often. Although the upfront price is significantly higher, thick HEPA filters last much longer. You can expect to get up to six months of use from a quality HEPA filter.
Get Ready for Fall With Comfort-Crafted HVAC Services
Are you feeling the chill and not sure where to start? At Coleman Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer everything you need to keep your home cozy and your air fresh and breathable throughout the fall season. From maintenance and repairs to installation and replacement, our quality heating services ensure your home’s comfort. Our indoor air quality services can boost your family’s respiratory health by reducing allergens and pollutants and maintaining optimal humidity levels.
Do you want to get your HVAC in top shape before fall allergies strike in Bridgeville, PA? Contact our team at Coleman Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule your service today.
