Even though most HVAC companies insist on performing a lot of the maintenance on your air conditioning and heating units themselves, there are a few things that need to be done regularly by the homeowners. One of these is replacing the air filter every 3 to 6 months. It's cheap and takes only a few minutes to perform, but can prevent serious issues arising with your HVAC system.

Failure to change out your air filters regularly can lead to a whole host of issues, some of which can create a significant HVAC repair bill. The following are just a few of the things that can happen to your home's HVAC system if the filter is not changed regularly.

Your Energy Bills Will Skyrocket

A clogged air filter means that your HVAC system is having to work harder to operate, which translates to higher utility bills for you, both in the winter and in the summer months. HVAC repairs are not expensive, but the premature wear and tear on your system from an overworked HVAC system can be extraordinary, such as blown motors, torn belts, and even an entire system shutdown. You may be able to get by with a clogged filter for a while, but eventually, your system will simply stop working altogether.

Your Ductwork Will be Dirty

You may think that any dirt that's in your air ducts isn't a big deal; after all, the ducts are plenty big enough to allow the air to pass through freely, right? Unfortunately, with the amount of air that is blown through air ducts, even a thin layer of dust can impede the air's progress and cause your HVAC system to work that much harder. Moreover, your indoor air quality will suffer as well, which means anyone in your house with breathing or allergy issues will suffer as a result. You may not realize that those health issues are related to your home's HVAC system, but you'll be surprised how a simple HVAC repair service call will make you and your whole family feel better.

Your Home Will Cool Very Fast

Air filters are responsible for not only filtering out the dirt is trying to get your system, but also for moving air from your home in your ductwork, and vice versa. A clogged air filter means that that barrier is too thick, and as a result, airflow is impeded significantly. As a result, various rooms in your house won't cool very quickly, if at all, and the farther your room is from the AC unit, the less cool it will be. Your air in your room will also become stagnant, which can give the feeling of a room being colder or warmer than it actually is.

If you need HVAC repair for your home system for any of the reasons above, contact a local HVAC contractor.