One of the easiest things to do to prolong the life of your heating and air conditioning system is to make sure that the filters are changed or cleaned on a regular basis. This simple step can help keep your system in its best operating condition.

When a filter gets dirty it literally chokes your system. A filter that is clogged restricts the air flow to your system, starving it of what it needs to operate. Lack of proper air flow will cause your air conditioner to freeze up and your furnace to overheat. When this happens the entire system is put under strain and any number of mechanical failures can occur. A system operating with a dirty filter is like a person breathing with a pillow over their face.

Filters are designed first and foremost to keep your system fro breathing dirty air, and secondly to keep you from breathing dirty air. Their primary function is to keep dust and debris from getting inside your equipment. Allowing dust and debris inside your system is like getting trash in the gas tank of your car. Eventually it will get clogged and cause a breakdown.

Most filters need to be changed every month, more often if there is a lot of dust or pets around the house. There are filters designed to be changed less often but you need to be careful to make sure that they are properly matched with your system.

There are many options in regards to filters but none of them work if you don't change or clean them on regularly. It seems obvious but it is one of the easiest things to overlook. Changing your filters on a regular basis will help your heating and cooling system have a long life and run its best.