Maintaining a home is hard work. There is always something that must be done, whether it’s simple maintenance steps or larger projects. One of the most important maintenance steps for homeowners is to change their furnace filters, and it’s also one of the easiest to complete! To ensure you know how and when to do it, Star Heating & Cooling gives you the details on furnace filter replacement.
When to Change Your Furnace Filters
It can be difficult to determine how often you need to change your furnace filters, as there is no one size fits all answer. The frequency that your heating system will require a new filter depends on many factors, including the filter’s efficiency, household characteristics, habits, HVAC system use, and more.
When you buy a new filter, check the instructions from the manufacturer and see how often they recommend you change the filter. Use this recommendation as a starting point and evaluate other factors to determine if you will likely need to replace the filter sooner.
If you have a large household, indoor pets, allow smoking indoors, and run your furnace heavily over the winter, you’re more than likely going to need to replace that filter sooner than the guidelines. For small households with few indoor sources of pollution and limited heating use over the season, your filter may last longer than the recommendation and you can go a few more weeks until you change your furnace filters. Check your filter each month to assess its condition and determine if replacement is needed now or if your filter has more life left.
It’s a good idea to start heating season out with a fresh filter. During the fall when temperatures are mild, your filter will probably last longer than it does in winter, as your HVAC system doesn’t see nearly as much use during the fall months. Before the weather turns chilly, check the filter and change it if needed.
Don’t Forget a New Air Filter!
Forgetting to change furnace filter units can have some unfortunate consequences. Operating your heating system with a dirty filter in place causes HVAC equipment damage, energy waste, breakdowns, and shorter system service life.
- Dirty furnace filters restrict airflow. Without good air movement through the furnace, the HVAC unit will overheat. High temperatures inside the furnace can harm components and cause the need for repairs or replacement. Overheating can shut down your furnace system early, causing it to short cycle which also creates damage.
- While your dirty filter blocks airflow and overheats the furnace, it also causes the furnace to work harder than it is supposed to. The furnace uses more energy to move air through that restriction, which wastes energy and speeds up the rate of wear and tear to system parts.
- Dirty filters can’t hold any more pollutants. As air circulates through the system, airborne contaminants are left in the air supply and are allowed to make their way into the furnace. Particles can settle inside the unit, burdening parts and forcing the use of more energy during operation as well as increasing wear and tear.
Forgetting to routinely change your furnace filter can even lower your home’s overall indoor air quality. Be sure to replace your existing filter with a new one to prevent any issues from occurring.
Furnace Maintenance in Central Indiana
Change your furnace air filters regularly to keep your heating and cooling equipment in good condition and operating at peak levels, in addition to keeping energy costs low. To schedule maintenance for your heating and cooling system, contact Star Heating & Cooling today.