You may not think much about your furnace until it malfunctions on a freezing night in the middle of winter. Upon further investigation, your technician discovers a dirty filter is to blame for your ordeal.
To make sure it never happens again, we’ve created a comprehensive guide on the importance of a furnace filter, lifespan, and when it’s time to replace it.
Key Takeaways:
- A filter plays an important role in maintaining the performance and efficiency of an HVAC system.
- The type of filter, frequency of use, and the air quality in your home are important indicators of how often you need to change a furnace filter.
Table of Contents
What Does a Furnace Filter Do?
A furnace filter plays a critical role in your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Its primary function is to trap and hold various airborne particles that could harm your furnace’s operation and diminish the air quality in your home.
These particles include dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even bacteria. By capturing these contaminants, the furnace filter prevents them from recirculating through your home and clogging the furnace’s inner mechanisms.
The efficiency of a furnace filter is rated using the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, with higher numbers indicating a filter can capture smaller particles. This efficiency not only protects the mechanical integrity of the furnace but also contributes to the health and comfort of your home environment.
How Long Do Furnace Filters Last?
The lifespan of a furnace filter depends on several factors including its material, thickness, the air quality in your home, and how frequently the heating system is used.
Here’s a basic guideline based on thickness and how often to replace the furnace filter:
- 1-inch filters: Replace every 1-3 months.
- 2-inch filters: Replace every 3 months.
- 3-4 inch filters: Replace every 6-9 months.
- 5-inch filters or higher: Replace every 9-12 months.
However, these timelines can vary. Homes in areas with high air pollution or homes with pets might require more frequent changes. Additionally, a furnace running almost continuously during a cold winter or a particularly hot summer might necessitate more frequent filter changes.
When Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?
Knowing when to change your furnace filter can seem tricky but here are some indicators that it may be time:
- 1. Increased Dust Levels
If you notice more dust accumulating on furniture and surfaces in your home, it might be a sign that your furnace filter is clogged and unable to trap as much dust as before.
- 2. Allergy Symptoms
An increase in allergy symptoms or respiratory problems among household members can also indicate that it’s time to change the filter, as more allergens are circulating in the air.
- 3. Visible Dirt on the Filter
Inspecting the filter itself is the most direct method. If it looks dirty or clogged, it should be replaced.
- 4. High Energy Bills
An increase in your energy bills can be a sign of a furnace working harder than usual, which often occurs when a dirty filter restricts airflow.
- 5. Heating System Inefficiency
If your furnace seems to be running more frequently than usual or if it struggles to maintain a set temperature, the filter might be to blame.
It’s also good practice to check your filter monthly, especially during periods of high usage. Even if the filter doesn’t need to be replaced every month, checking it regularly will help you better understand how quickly it gets dirty.
Contact Luxury Heating & Air for Superior Furnace Repair Services
Are you looking for fast and efficient furnace repair services? Luxury Heating & Air is here to help. We have over 20 years of experience in repairs of all furnace makes and models and you can depend on us to get your furnace fully functional again. Contact us today to get started.