Having a Clean Furnace Filter Is Necessary

Looking for a maintenance project this weekend? Want to help make your home more efficient? One of the simplest things you can do to create a more comfortable living environment is to install a clean furnace filter. 

What does a furnace filter do?

The furnace filter is one of the easiest things to maintain. It’s also one of the easiest things to neglect. 

The furnace works by pumping heated air throughout the house. How clean the air supply is depends on how clean the delivery system is. Once created, a fan pushes the air through the furnace filter, into the ductwork, and out through the vents. The first line of defense is the furnace filter. If dust particles, pollen, or pet dander have settled into the fibers, they will float into the air supply delivered to every room in your home. 

It’s not just your air supply that’s impacted. The furnace filter also controls the air supply moving into the HVAC equipment. Poor air supply can damage different components within the furnace, causing it to overheat. This can lead to expensive repairs, and a shortened lifespan.  

How often should you change the furnace filter?

This is one of the most common questions, and also the most debated. Should you change it yearly? Quarterly? Monthly? The answer is: it depends. 

Start by referring to the owner’s manual that came with your furnace. Manufacturers recommend timeframes for changing out furnace filters based on how they were manufactured. 

At a minimum, changing it out before the winter season is suggested. This gives it a fresh start as you turn your furnace on for the first time. If you have a busy household, it might benefit you to change it out more regularly. Quarterly, even monthly, will ensure you always have a fresh air supply in and out of your furnace. 

What a clean furnace filter does for you

Manufacturers will recommend changing your furnace filter regularly to keep the equipment operating well. Your furnace’s warranty may even require it. If you combine a new furnace filter at the beginning of the season along with an annual tune up, it ensures:

• Increased energy efficiency
• Fewer repairs over time
• Increased equipment lifespan
• Lower costs every month on your utility bill

The biggest problem we find with HVAC equipment is neglected equipment. If you restrict airflow both in and out of your furnace, it will cause problems at some point down the road. 

When was the last time you changed the furnace filter?