The Importance of Regularly Changing Your Furnace Filter

For many homeowners, the furnace is something that is out of sight, out of mind. As long as it’s working when we need it to, we don’t think much about it. However, your furnace plays a crucial role in keeping your home comfortable—and it’s essential to maintain it properly.

Here’s a look at how often to change furnace filter and how it can impact indoor air quality.

Dirty Filters Affect Indoor Air Quality

Your furnace filters are responsible for trapping dirt, dust, and other airborne particles before they have a chance to circulate through your home. Over time, the filter will become clogged with these particles, reducing its ability to do its job. In addition, as the filter becomes overwhelmed with particles, it will start releasing them back into the air—which means you and your family are breathing in all the dirt and dust that the filter is supposed to be trapping. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also trigger allergies and other respiratory problems.

We Need to Replace Our Furnace Filters Regularly

In order to keep your indoor air quality high and ensure that your furnace is running efficiently, it’s crucial to replace the filter regularly. Depending on your filter type and the size of your home, you may need to replace it every 3 months. It’s a good idea to check your filter monthly and replace it when it starts looking dirty. This way, you can be sure that your furnace is running at peak efficiency and trapping all of the airborne particles before they have a chance to circulate through your home.

The Benefits of a Clean Filter

There are a number of benefits to regularly changing your furnace filter. Not only will this help to improve the air quality in your home, but it can also save you money in the long run. Here are five reasons why you should be checking your filter more often:

1. Improved Air Quality

One of the main benefits of having a clean filter is that it will improve the air quality in your home. This is because dirty filters block important particles and gases from entering your home, which can lead to problems like asthma and bronchitis. By regularly changing your filter, you can ensure that all the harmful pollutants are eliminated from the airflow in your home.

2. Reduced Energy Costs

Another reason to change your furnace filter is that it can reduce energy costs. Filters trap dirt, dust, and other small particles that can clog up furnaces and cause them to overheat. When these particles enter the furnace, they create heat that must then be dealt with by the cooling system. By regularly cleaning and replacing your filter, you can prevent this from happening and save yourself some money on electricity bills over time.

3. Improved Indoor Air Quality

One of the major benefits of keeping an indoor environment clean is improved air quality – which includes better breathing conditions for people living in homes with asthma or other respiratory issues. Dust mites and other tiny creatures thrive in an unclean environment, which can lead to allergies or even asthma symptoms if not properly managed. By regularly changing your furnace filter, you can help to improve the air quality in your home and reduce the chances of developing respiratory problems.

4. Safer Home

Another benefit of keeping your home clean is that it is a safer place to live. Dirty surfaces and filters allow harmful particles and gases to enter your home, which can make it dangerous for you and your family members. By replacing your filter on a regular basis, you can help to keep your home safe from harmful toxins and pollutants.

5. Cost Savings

Finally, one of the biggest benefits of keeping your furnace filter clean is cost savings. Filters can often be expensive to replace, so by ensuring that they are cleaned and replaced as needed, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run. By taking care of your furnace filters, you can ensure that your air quality remains good and avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Symptoms of a Dirty Furnace Filter

1. Your furnace is working overtime. If your furnace filter is dirty, it will certainly have to work harder to circulate air throughout your home. This can cause your furnace to run longer than usual and rack up your energy bill in the process.
2. You’re seeing more dust around your home. A telltale sign that your furnace filter needs to be replaced is an increase in the amount of dust present in your home. This is because a dirty furnace filter can’t trap all airborne particles, leading to more dust buildup.
3. Your allergies are acting up. If you or a family member start experiencing more allergy symptoms, it could be due to a dirty furnace filter. This is because the filter can’t trap all of the allergens, leading to them circulating throughout your home.
4. Your furnace smells bad. If you notice a musty or burning smell coming from your furnace, it could signify that the filter needs to be replaced.
5. The furnace filter is clogged. A clogged filter will reduce airflow and put a strain on your furnace, which can shorten its lifespan. If you can’t see through the furnace filter or if it appears caked with dirt and debris, it needs to be replaced.
6. Your furnace isn’t working properly. If your furnace isn’t heating your home evenly or cycling on and off more than usual, a dirty furnace filter could be to blame.

If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to replace your furnace filter. Replacing the filter can help restore proper furnace operation. Doing so will help improve your home’s air quality and keep your furnace running efficiently.