Why Replacing Your Furnace Filter is Important

Furnace issues caused by dirty filter

(filter found during routine inspection)

  • A dirty/clogged filter causes an HVAC system to run inefficiently
  • Dirty air filters can be damaging to your health
  • Dirty air filters can reduce the HVAC system’s lifespan
  • Dirty air filters can increase HVAC system maintenance costs

Damage to the heat exchanger-

The lack of fresh air in your furnace will cause the heat exchanger to become too warm and deactivate. Dirty filters cause short cycling issues, and will make it harder to keep your home warm or cool. Filters should be replaced at season change at a minimum, but it is recommended to change them every three months.

High heating/cooling bills-

The furnace utilizes a fan to circulate and recycle warm air throughout your home to maintain the temperature you have programmed into the thermostat. If the furnace air filter is dirty or clogged, the circulation fan will be required to utilize more power to distribute air. This will cause the total price of your heating bills to increase as the system is working harder and running longer. It is important to continuously check and replace dirty air filters every 3 to 6 months to save money on energy usage.

Indoor Air QualityPoor indoor air quality-

A clogged air filter will not be able to effectively block dust, debris, and other materials from entering your home. This can have a negative impact on family members that have allergies, asthma, or other health conditions.

Clogs may cause the furnace to shut down-

If the furnace isn’t able to turn on, this is an indicator of damage to the fan, pilot light, heat exchanger, pressure switches, gas valves, or other components. Since most types of furnace repair projects are expensive, we recommend regularly changing the air filter in your furnace to ensure it is clean.

Inability to reach a comfortable temperature-

The internal fan of the HVAC system is engineered to blow air through the air filter to provide clean air throughout the home. If you have a dirty air filter, it will become harder to pass air through the system. This could cause cold spots to form in various rooms of the home during the winter season and/or warm spots during the summer season. To keep the house at a comfortable temperature, please remember to swap clogged air filters every 3 months (recommended) or at bare minimum, every 6 months.