January 24, 2022
One of the most straightforward and most forgotten furnace maintenance tools is the furnace filter – when things are running normally, it’s easy to overlook until something with your furnace goes wrong.
Why is a seemingly minor task so important for your home? Furnace filters can improve the air quality of your home, but neglecting your filters can cause problems.
What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Furnace Filter?
Air quality and comfort in your home will be compromised during a long period without changing your filters. But the more expensive downside is the damage it can do to the inner workings of your HVAC system.
What Kind of Damage Will Your Furnace Face?
Not only can the dust and debris buildup on your filters affect the air in your home, but it can also be pulled into the intricate internal mechanisms of your furnace. Buildup on the inside of your furnace can cause damage and weaken your system’s performance.
Air circulation will suffer, and your furnace will demand more energy, increasing the potential for overheating. Your furnace may go through the process of short-cycling, where your furnace shuts down as it overheats, starts up as it cools and the cycle repeats, causing strain on your furnace.
Changing your furnace filter on a schedule can prevent damage, increase energy efficiency and improve air quality.
How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?
The ideal frequency of filter changes can depend on different lifestyle factors – how many people are living in your home, whether you have pets or even allergies. Generally, the thinner your furnace filter, the more often you should replace them.
Bottom Line
Changing out your furnace filters regularly can save you time, energy, and money in the long run. Schedule it into your calendar or add it as a reminder on your phone and check your filter regularly if you’re unsure. If you believe that dirty furnace filters have already damaged your furnace, call an experienced technician to improve its performance.