- 26 October 2020
- Heating
Never ignore your furnace air filter. Regularly changing this small component makes a huge difference to your furnace’s proper functioning.
“How often should I change my furnace filter?” The reply to this question really consists of three parts:
1. Why this chore is so essential
2. How often you should change the furnace filter
3. How to change or clean a filter
Let’s start with WHY.
Why You Need To Change Your Furnace Filter
Your furnace air filter works hard, filtering the incoming air to protect your furnace from tiny airborne particles. Without a filter, dust, hair, and dirt would be able to get into your furnace and damage its delicate components.
However, the “yuck” collected by your furnace filter builds up over time. A large amount of buildup will cause the filter to become clogged, reducing the airflow to your furnace and causing it to overheat. The result, once again, is damage or even complete breakdown, leaving you without heat in Georgetown winter weather. Brr! Your furnace can also begin to leak water as well as blow cold air.
In the long run, investing in good furnace maintenance will pay off. It will ensure heating energy efficiency, help you avoid frequent expensive furnace repairs, and even extend the life of your heating system!
How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter? Every 90 Days Minimum
Avoid blockages by changing the air filter as needed. The short answer to “How often do I change my furnace filter?” is at least every 90 days.
BTW, there are 2 types of furnace filters – disposable and permanent. (Identify a permanent filter by its plastic frame.) Although disposables are cheaper and more convenient, they add to your garbage and can’t be recycled.
Permanent filters, while more costly, are also better quality and more eco-friendly. You change a disposable filter and clean a permanent one, but the timetable is the same for both.
Check The Filter Every 30 Days
Your filter may fill up more quickly. To keep your furnace performing its best, check the filter’s condition at least every 30 days so you can change or clean it as needed. A filter clogging up will be obvious – it’ll appear grey instead of white, with an overload of dust.
When You’ll Have To Change Your Filter More Frequently
“So, 30 days or 90 days? How often should I change my furnace filter – really?”
There is no pat answer. Certain home conditions, though, will make your filter need to be changed more often, including:
Health. Does anyone in your household suffer from breathing problems or allergies? If so, it’s especially important to keep your indoor air as clean and dust-free as possible.
Dust. Sometimes the air in or around your house is particularly dusty – for example when construction or home renovations are in progress.
Pets. A home with pets is a happy home, but it’s also a source of shedding and dander.
Damp Filter. Moisture in your filter will interfere with proper airflow.
Heavy HVAC Use. Constantly running your heating or cooling means changing the air filter more often.
How To Change (Or Clean) Your Filter
1. Switch off your furnace.
2. Remove the old filter (it’s in the return air vent).
3. Disposable filter: Toss the existing filter and install a new one.
4. Permanent filter: Clean with a vacuum; then wipe off remaining dust. Return the filter to its place.
Keep Your Furnace In The Best Shape
Changing the filter regularly is a simple way you can give your furnace some TLC. Another way to keep your heating system in great shape: Turn to the friendly professionals at Appleby Home Comfort when you need expert maintenance or furnace repair or replacement.