Are Candles & Incense Bad for Your Air Filter?
Candles and incense are great ways to enhance your home’s ambiance, but if you’re often burning them, you also increase the chances of impacting your HVAC’s air filters. The soot and wax they create can have a negative impact that homeowners should be aware of. Our indoor air quality technicians explain everything you need to know in this helpful guide.
Ways Candles & Incense Affect Air Filters
While you’re enjoying the relaxing smells, there are unseen effects of burning candles and incense taking place. These include:
Soot Buildup
Paraffin candles release soot and harmful VOCs when burned, and that soot has to go somewhere. Unfortunately, what we don’t breathe in often results in your HVAC system’s intake vents. Depending on how frequently you light candles, the black soot covering can get quite thick and wear out the air filter quicker than usual.
Wax Clogs
Similarly, wax particles also get pulled into the vents and muck up your system. In this case, it creates a residue coating that makes it even harder for the air filters to function correctly and strain out other pollutants.
Inefficient System
Clogged filters impede airflow, so your HVAC system must work harder to function. Eventually, this additional strain can lead to a total shutdown and an expensive repair bill.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
With an HVAC filter no longer treating incoming air, other irritants enter your home’s airflow. Dust, dander, VOCs, bacteria, dirt, and more can cause a variety of unhealthy issues for your family as they breathe this unclean air.
How Often Should I Replace My Air Filter?
The standard recommendation is to change your HVAC’s air filter every three months. However, if you regularly burn candles and incense, it’s best to replace them more frequently — every 30 to 90 days — to combat their adverse effects. If you’re unsure if this applies to you, first inspect the filter, and if you see any signs of clogging or discoloration from wax and soot, put in a new one.
Benefits Of High-Quality Air Filters
When you change out your filter, the replacement you choose matters. Installing a high-quality filter makes a difference for your system and home. Here are a few of the benefits they deliver:
- Better pollutant filtration
- Minimal dust buildup in air ducts
- Cleaner indoor air quality
- Reduced health risks
- Helps HVAC system run efficiently
- Lower energy bills
Upgrade Your Home’s Air Quality With Isaac Today
Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning can keep your air filters and HVAC system in top shape year-round with our comprehensive indoor air quality services. We utilize the latest air-cleaning technologies, from state-of-the-art purification and zoning controls to duct cleaning and ductwork services. When you choose Isaac, you can expect:
- 24-hour service and upfront pricing
- Licensed and certified technicians
- Flexible financing options
- An award-winning company committed to the local community
New York homeowners can breathe easy when they contact Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning for trusted indoor air quality services.
