When you own a home, one of the most important things to maintain is your HVAC system. Your HVAC system impacts almost every aspect of your day-to-day life from the temperature in your home to how much energy it uses. To ensure that your HVAC system is running at its best, it’s important to have clean and properly maintained equipment. Your HVAC system consists of a number of components, including an air filter to trap dust, dirt, and other contaminants from entering your home through the vents. An air filter is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system because it protects the rest of the system from getting clogged with dirt and dust. When an air filter gets dirty and needs to be replaced, it could indicate that your HVAC system needs more frequent cleaning or even repairs. These signs can indicate that your air filter is not working properly and need to be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep your HVAC system operating at its best.

Water Buildup

Water buildup is one of the signs that your air filter is not working properly. This is when water begins to accumulate inside your air filter, which can reduce its effectiveness and allow more contaminants into your home. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including a dirty or clogged air filter, dirty duct work, or a drainage issue in your HVAC system. When water builds up inside your air filter, it can cause damage to your HVAC system and increase your energy bills. This is because water is a great insulator and trap for heat, so when it builds up inside your air filter, it can prevent the air from flowing freely, making it more difficult to heat or cool your home.

Dust Buildup

Dust buildup is another sign that your air filter is not working properly. When dust builds up inside your air filter, it can prevent air from flowing through your HVAC system, making it more difficult to heat or cool your home. This can be caused by a dirty or clogged air filter, dirty duct work, or a drainage issue in your HVAC system. Dust buildup can also cause your HVAC system to run longer, decreasing its efficiency and increasing your energy bills. This is because dust is a great insulator and trap for heat, so when it builds up inside your air filter, it can prevent the air from flowing freely, making it more difficult to heat or cool your home.

Mold Growth

Mold growth is another sign that your air filter is not working properly. When mold grows inside your air filter, it can trap contaminants in your HVAC system, making it more difficult to heat or cool your home. This can be caused by a dirty or clogged air filter, dirty duct work, or a drainage issue in your HVAC system. Mold growth can also cause your HVAC system to run longer, decreasing its efficiency and increasing your energy bills. This is because mold is a great insulator and trap for heat, so when it grows inside your air filter, it can prevent the air from flowing freely, making it more difficult to heat or cool your home.

Airflow Issues

Airflow issues are another sign that your air filter is not working properly. When airflow is limited or reduced, your HVAC system might not be able to cool your home as effectively. This can be caused by a dirty or clogged air filter, dirty duct work, or a drainage issue in your HVAC system. Airflow issues can also cause your HVAC system to run longer, decreasing its efficiency and increasing your energy bills. This is because airflow is key to cooling your home effectively, so when it is limited or reduced, it can make it more difficult to cool your home.

Other Signs

Air filter issues can also be caused by other issues. Other signs that your air filter is not working properly include an increase in energy bills, an increase in duct work noise, or a change in temperature. If you notice that your air filter is dirty or clogged, it’s important to clean or replace your air filter to prevent further damage to your HVAC system and improve the quality of air coming into your home. If you notice that your air filter is dirty or clogged, it’s important to clean or replace your air filter to prevent further damage to your HVAC system and improve the quality of air coming into your home. An air filter is an important part of your HVAC system that protects the rest of the system from getting clogged with dirt and dust.

Frequently Asked Question

You should change your air filters every 90 days. However, if you have allergies, you better change them after 45 days. It also depends on the MERV rating of the filters you are using. On average, it is highly recommended to change your air filters every 90 days. 
Yes, it does. There are many types of air filters and their performance is based on their material and most of the time their MERV rating. Choosing the best one will make a huge impact on how long your HVAC system will last.
HVAC air filters have different variations depending on their quality and sizes. Most HVAC manufacturers would recommend buying a new air filter that is compatible with HVAC. These air filters have a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value or MERV which will tell you their overall performance in filtering contaminants in the air.
Most likely it will not filter the air properly. Dust will accumulate on your filter thus affecting some parts of your Air Conditioning unit. Aside from not being able to work properly in filtering the air, it will damage the system of your AC, because the airflow is affected.