How Often Should I Change My Furnace’s Filter?
Most homeowners expect their furnace to work at the start of each winter with the mere press of a button. Though furnaces have become quite remarkable pieces of technology, they still require regular maintenance. Your furnace’s filter is crucial to your unit’s functionality. It must be changed regularly to keep the furnace operating at peak efficiency.
But “regularly” seems pretty vague, right? That’s why we wanted to specify how often you should really be changing your filter to maximize your furnace’s efficiency and performance.
Why It’s Important To Change Your Filter
Would you like to increase your furnace efficiency by up to 15%? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, simply changing the filter at the appropriate interval can improve the system’s efficiency by that amount. This is thanks to the fact that dirty furnace filters prevent a steady stream of air from passing through the system and into your living space.
A clean filter will allow the furnace to work as designed. In contrast, a dirty filter will tax the system, forcing it to work much harder than it should have to. In the end, switching out your old filter for a new one has the potential to save you hundreds of dollars every year. Those are some serious savings.
Changing your furnace filter will also improve the quality of your indoor air. If you leave a clogged filter in place, it will make it difficult to trap additional dust, grime, and other harmful particles. As a result, some of them will get through your air ducts and into your home’s air.
It’s also important to consider the fact that a dirty furnace filter increases the odds of a repair. Since dirty filters force the system to work much harder than it should, the furnace will endure extensive wear and tear. This heightens the chances of a breakdown and consequential repair. Add the fact that an overtaxed furnace won’t last nearly as long as it should and it’s easy to see why some homeowners switch out their system’s filter once per month just to be on the safe side.
Your HVAC system sends air flowing through ductwork to heat and cool your home. For air to blow out of the system, it needs air coming in through the air return vents and ducts.
The furnace filter in your HVAC system captures dust before it enters the equipment. This helps keep the inside of the ducts and the HVAC equipment clean.
If You Don’t Change the Furnace Filter…
- It prevents the free flow of air into the system. This causes the blower to have to work much harder to keep your home comfortable. That will cost you in higher energy costs, more repairs, and a shorter equipment lifespan.
- A clogged furnace filter won’t capture the dust going into the ductwork, and the dust will start coating the components of the equipment. This makes the entire system less efficient, which translates to higher energy use. It can also shorten the life of the system’s parts, increasing repair costs.
- Furnace filters are a barrier against indoor air pollutants. If the filter is clogged, it can’t capture any of the pollen, dust, or mold spores that may be floating in your air. This leads to poor indoor air quality, making it harder to breathe and triggering allergy and asthma attacks.
When Should You Replace Your Furnace Filter?
If you were to poll a group of HVAC professionals about the proper frequency for your system’s filter replacement, they would testify that it hinges on an array of factors like the number of people in the home, whether there are pets or smokers, the type of air filter, the home’s air quality, etc.
Though you don’t have to change your furnace filter every month, it should be changed every three months at most, as the seasons change. Be sure that your furnace filter is replaced at the start of winter, fall, spring, and summer. When in doubt, we suggest you check the filter to see if it’s truly dirty.
Why You Should Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance
There’s no substitute for the analysis of a true expert. Ally with Air Experts and you won’t have to fret about your furnace’s performance. Our HVAC professionals perform regular furnace maintenance like tune-ups, inspections, cleanings, repairs, and beyond.
We’ll make sure your furnace is functioning at optimal efficiency so you don’t have to worry about whether you’ll have a steady stream of clean and warm air during winter.
Raleigh-area residents won’t find a better HVAC provider than Air Experts. We’re here to help with all your heating and cooling needs, even if it’s an emergency that requires immediate attention.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our HVAC services.
