During the hotter months, many households crank up the A/C to stay cool. But while having cold air circulating throughout your home is a nice change from the sweltering heat, it can actually do more harm than good, depending on how you care for your HVAC. In most cases, you’re supposed to change air filters every 90 or so days. But regardless, life happens, and people forget to do it.

Changing your air filters might seem like a small, insignificant task, but it actually does play a huge role in keeping your home comfortable, keeping your HVAC system running efficiently, and your air quality high. Plus, neglecting to change your air filters can lead to many problems, and they won’t be kind to your wallet or even your health.

So, the next time you’re making your to-do list, definitely make a note about changing your air filters. Your wallet, your lungs, and your HVAC system will thank you!

To learn more, take a look at what happens when you don’t change air filters:

Your HVAC System Will Be Impacted

When your air filters are clogged, your HVAC system has to work much harder to pull air through. And it’s not just a slight increase in effort—imagine trying to breathe through a straw while running a marathon. Over time, this overexertion can lead to significant damage. If not addressed promptly, you could end up facing costly repairs or even the need for a complete system replacement.

Your Energy Bill Will Skyrocket

Have you ever noticed a spike in your energy bills? For many people, dirty air filters are the culprit. When your HVAC system struggles to push air through clogged filters, it has to use way more energy than normal. And, of course, when you use more energy, you’ll see it reflected in your monthly bill.

The Air Quality in Your Home Worsens

Clogged air filters affect your wallet and health. Dirty filters can’t trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles as they should. Guess where all that gunk ends up? Right back into your home.

This can be bad for people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. But even if your lungs are perfectly fine, constantly breathing in dust and debris is seriously unhealthy. Fresh air filters mean cleaner air and a healthier home.

Mold Creeps In

When your air filters are clogged, moisture can build up in your HVAC. And whenever moisture makes an appearance, mold isn’t far behind.

Once mold starts growing, it can spread quickly through your ductwork and living spaces, which is only the beginning.

Mold spores can cause various health problems, from allergic reactions to more serious respiratory issues.

Your Home Will Start to Smell

If you’ve ever walked into a room and noticed a weird smell you can’t quite place, look at your HVAC system.

When air filters are clogged, they tend to harbor odors from everyday things like cooking, pets, and smoke. And every time the HVAC kicks on, it pushes those same smells around your home.

It Makes Life Uncomfortable

Last but definitely not least is comfort. When your filters are dirty, your HVAC can’t distribute air like it should, which causes uneven heating or cooling in your home. That means some rooms might feel like saunas, while others feel more like freezers.