When was the last time you changed your HVAC air filter? If it’s been a while, you might be wondering, “Is a dirty air filter making you sick?” The answer is—possibly! Poor indoor air quality, often caused by clogged or dirty filters, can contribute to a range of health problems.
At Riverside Comfort Care, we help families across Van Buren, Fort Smith, Alma, and Greenwood breathe easier by improving HVAC performance and indoor air quality.
Let’s dive into how a dirty air filter can affect your health—and what you can do about it.
How a Dirty Air Filter Affects Indoor Air Quality
Your HVAC system’s air filter traps dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and even bacteria and mold spores. But when the filter becomes clogged, it can no longer trap contaminants effectively. Instead, those particles are recirculated throughout your home.
According to the EPA, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. A dirty air filter only worsens the problem.
Health Problems Linked to Dirty Air Filters
A neglected air filter can impact your health in several ways:
1. Allergies and Asthma
Dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trapped in a dirty filter can trigger allergic reactions and worsen asthma symptoms. The American Lung Association warns that poor indoor air quality can cause coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.
2. Respiratory Infections
Bacteria and viruses can thrive in HVAC systems with dirty filters. This increases your risk of respiratory illnesses, especially during cold and flu season.
3. Headaches and Fatigue
Contaminants like VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and mold spores can contribute to headaches, dizziness, and a general feeling of being unwell.
4. Skin Irritation
Poor air quality can dry out your skin and exacerbate conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
5. Eye, Nose, and Throat Irritation
Dirty air can cause itchy eyes, runny noses, sore throats, and sinus congestion.
If multiple family members start showing symptoms at the same time, it’s time to inspect your air filter.
Warning Signs Your Air Filter Needs Changing
- Increased allergy or asthma symptoms indoors
- Strange odors when your HVAC system runs
- Visible dust buildup around vents and registers
- Higher energy bills (a clogged filter makes your system work harder)
- Weak airflow from vents
According to ENERGY STAR, replacing filters regularly not only improves air quality but can also lower your system’s energy use by 5-15%.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
While it varies depending on your household, general guidelines include:
- Every 1–2 months for homes with pets or allergy sufferers
- Every 2–3 months for typical households
- Monthly during high-usage seasons like summer and winter
The U.S. Department of Energy emphasizes checking your filter monthly and changing it as needed.
Types of Air Filters and Their Effectiveness
Not all filters are created equal. Some offer better protection than others:
- Fiberglass filters: Cheap but offer minimal filtration.
- Pleated filters: Capture more dust and allergens.
- HEPA filters: Capture 99.97% of airborne particles, ideal for those with respiratory issues.
ASHRAE recommends using filters rated MERV 8–13 for good residential air quality.
Other Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Besides changing your air filter, consider these steps:
- Schedule annual HVAC maintenance to ensure clean coils and ducts.
- Use an air purifier to remove smaller particles.
- Maintain proper humidity levels (30–50%) to discourage mold growth.
- Ventilate when possible by opening windows or using exhaust fans.
For additional improvements, visit our Indoor Air Quality Services page.
Why Choose Riverside Comfort Care for Indoor Air Quality Solutions?
We specialize in keeping Arkansas homes healthier with:
- Professional HVAC maintenance
- High-efficiency air filter upgrades
- Whole-home air purification systems
We proudly serve:
We’re BBB Accredited and proud members of the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce.
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Breathe Easier with Riverside Comfort Care
Is a dirty air filter making you sick? Don’t take chances with your family’s health. 📞 Call (479) 353-5266 or schedule service online with Riverside Comfort Care today!
