Your furnace is an important part of your home. Not only does it keep you warm during the winter, but it also helps to keep the air in your home clean and healthy. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your furnace filters are always in good condition. If they’re not, then your furnace won’t be able to do its job properly, and you could end up with a lot of health problems.
In this blog post, we will talk about why you need to change your furnace air filter and how to go about doing it.
What Does a Furnace Filter Do?
Most people know that their furnace has a filter, but few know what that filter actually does. The furnace filter’s main purpose is to protect the blower motor. The blower motor is responsible for circulating air throughout the home, and it can be easily damaged by dust and dirt.
The furnace filter helps to trap these particles, keeping them from reaching the blower motor. In addition, the furnace filter also helps to improve indoor air quality.
By trapping allergens and other airborne contaminants, the filter can help create a healthier home environment.
As a result, changing the furnace filter on a regular basis is an important part of maintaining a healthy HVAC system.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Furnace Filter?
If you don’t change your furnace filter, a number of things can happen.
Increased Wear and Tear on Your Furnace
As any HVAC technician will tell you, one of the most important things you can do to maintain your furnace is to regularly change the filter.
A filthy filter puts increased stress on the blower motor and can cause the furnace to overheat, leading to increased wear and tear. In addition, a clogged filter restricts airflow, making it more difficult for the furnace to heat your home effectively.
On top of that, a dirty furnace filter can also shorten the lifespan of your furnace and lead to expensive repairs.
You May See an Increase in Your Electric Bill
One of the simplest ways to reduce your energy consumption is to change your furnace filter on a regular basis. A dirty furnace filter can significantly increase your heating and cooling costs, as it forces your furnace to work harder to circulate air.
In fact, a single dirty furnace filter can increase your energy bill by as much as 15%. By contrast, a clean furnace filter can help you save money and keep your furnace running smoothly for years to come.
Your Air Quality Will Suffer
Your furnace filter plays an important role in your home’s air quality. By filtering out dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, it helps to improve the air you breathe. However, if the filter becomes clogged, it can have the opposite effect.
Poor air quality can cause a range of health problems, including allergies, asthma, and headaches. In extreme cases, it can even lead to serious respiratory illnesses. A simple task like changing your furnace filter can make a big difference in your family’s health.
Increased Risk of Fire
Most people know that changing the furnace filter is important for keeping the heating and cooling system running smoothly. However, what many people don’t realize is that a dirty furnace filter can also be a fire hazard.
When the filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, it can interfere with the flow of air. This can cause the furnace to overheat, which can ignite flammable materials in the vicinity.
In addition, a dirty furnace filter can also increase the level of carbon monoxide in the home, posing a serious health risk to occupants.
How Often to Change Furnace Filter
Maintaining your furnace filters is one of the most important things you can do to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. However, it can be difficult to know how often to replace your furnace filter.
A general rule of thumb is to change your filter every 3 months, but there are a few factors that can affect this timeline. For example, if you have pets, live in a home with lots of people, or smoke cigarettes, you may need to change your filter more frequently.
If you live in an area with a lot of dust or pollen, you may also need to change your filter more often. Ultimately, the best way to determine how often to change your furnace filter is to consult your owner’s manual or ask a professional HVAC technician.
It’s also important to note that the size of your filter also plays a role in how often it needs to be changed.
- if you have a 1-inch filter, you should change it every 3 months.
- If you have a 2-inch filter, you should change it every 6 months.
- If you have a 4-inch filter, you should change it once a year.
How to Install a Furnace Filter
Installing a furnace filter is a fairly quick and easy process. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when installing a new filter, however. First, be sure to check the size of your furnace and the type of filter that is compatible with it.
Next, using the manufacturer’s instructions as a guide, insert the new filter into the furnace. Once the filter is in place, turn on the furnace to ensure that it is working properly.
Finally, check the filter regularly and replace it as needed to keep your furnace running efficiently.
Set a Reminder to Change Your Furnace Filter
Remembering to change your furnace filter is a key component in making sure that your house is clean and comfortable.
If you have any questions about your HVAC system or need furnace tune-up or repair, our team of trusted HVAC professionals at Air Quality Dunrite is happy to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.