How Often to Replace a Furnace Filter? Find Out Here

Home comfort and energy efficiency depend on many factors. One of them is the furnace filter; even though it might appear as a minute detail in the context of HVAC servicing, changing the furnace filter every time is vital for the system’s functioning, the raised or lowered energy cost, and the indoor air quality.

If you constantly wonder, “How often do I have to change my furnace filter?” This detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know! If you are a homeowner in Canton, Georgia, Russell Heating and Air will get your HVAC serviced to meet peak conditions all year round.

How Often Should You Replace Your Furnace Filter

Your furnace filter forms a big part of your HVAC system; it is essential for your house’s overall functionality, health, and comfort. The following points outline why you should change your furnace filter regularly:

• Enhances Indoor Air Quality: A clean furnace filter eliminates dust, pollen, and other allergy-causing particulates from circulating throughout the house. This is crucial, particularly for those residing where pollen and similar seasonal allergies thrive, such as Canton, Georgia. Filters must be replaced frequently, promoting better air quality in the home.
• Prolongs the Life of the HVAC System: A clogged filter increases the strain on the HVAC system, which has to work hard to allow airflow. As a result of this increased workload, some parts begin to wear out, eventually leading to a reduced lifespan of the system. In contrast, replacing the filter minimizes this load, allowing your machine to operate longer.
• Reduces Energy User Cost: If a furnace filter is clogged, airflow is impeded, which means that to achieve the set temperature, your furnace will have to use more energy. This will result in a loss of energy efficiency, which in turn causes the utility bill to increase. By replacing the furnace filters on the scheduled date, the energy used can be maintained, and efficiency can be improved.

Typical Steps for Replacing Furnace Filters

So, how regularly do you replace a furnace filter? The answer to this question differs from case to case and will also be determined by the type of filter you are using. This can be further categorized as:

• Ordinary Filters (Fibreglass or Plaited): Every 1-3 months duration should be used for replacement.
• The life of HEPA filters: These efficient filters can withstand a more extended period and require changes every 6 to 12 months.
• Washable Filters: Wash them when necessary, according to usage and wear.

Factors That Impact Replacement Frequency

It would be best if you refrained from treating your furnace filter change as a one-size-fits-all, not changing it as often as required, or skipping some replacement, for both actions may trigger the malfunctioning of the furnace. Several characteristics may determine the changing frequency of the furnace filter. To begin with:

• Household Size: As the number of family members increases, so does the amount of dust and even pet hair. Therefore, families with more members will have to change their furnaces more often so there is consistent clean air.
• Pets: Pets’ or any furry friend’s shedding fur and dander can cause problems as they clog furnace fur filters. Hence, families with more than one pet or even one pet may have to replace the filter monthly.
• Allergies: Allergens can be dangerous, which is why changing the filters is recommended frequently, ideally every 1-2 months, for families with members with allergies or asthma.
• Usage: Houses in areas with a warm summer and comparatively cold winter, such as Canton, GA, tend to use the HVAC system year-round. Therefore, any system that runs year-long would require frequent filter changes.
• Location: The filter change can occur as frequently as needed based on air quality. If the distance of your house is short from a construction site or regions known for heavy pollen activity or congested roads, replacement of the filter would be required a lot earlier.

Indications Your Furnace Filter Needs Change

A furnace’s normal operations give an impression of essential systems, but they help the structure and the occupants. Here are some tell-tale signs.

• Filter is Dirty: If it is soiled with dust, pet hair, or dirt, then a replacement is needed. Take a look at your furnace filter.
• Spending More Money on Energy Bills: The HVAC works harder when the filter is clogged, which can raise your energy bills. When checking the filter, you should also evaluate the reason for the surge.
• The HVAC system does not push out enough Airflow. Again, the reverse is also true. Airflow can be weak if dirt accumulates on any part other than the filter.

Advice for Keeping Your Furnace Filters Clean

It is usual for a furnace and filter to work in perfect harmony unless, of course, proper care is not given. To avoid this situation, below are some tips worth taking notes on:

• Set a Replacement Schedule: Try to set a time to check the status of your filter and change it if need be. This might seem like a mundane task, but it will save you a lot of time and potential issues in the future.
• Choose the Right Filter: You will notice a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), which filters range in. More MERV means smaller particles are captured, but the airflow may be reduced. Speak to Russell Heating and Air to choose the one suited for your system and home.
• Inspect Monthly: Irrespective of whether you change your filter quarterly or bi-annually, make it a point to have it checked every month. It will prevent you from facing an unpleasant scenario where the HVAC will do the job less efficiently.
• Keep Surrounding Areas Clean: If there is any dust accumulated in the areas around your HVAC system, then it is highly likely that dust and debris will eventually be sucked in and clog the filter. Try to regularly vacuum the dust around your furnace or HVAC system, which will assist in maintenance.

The Risks of Pushing Off Replacement of Furnace Filter

Failure to perform routine upkeep on time for your furnace could cause several problems:

• Decrease in HVAC performance: Once the filter becomes clogged, airflow is restricted, and air cannot freely pass. Thus, the furnace must do much work to heat the residence. This wastage could cause patches of the house to remain cold and also incur high costs.
• Expensive Repair Services for HVAC: A heavily utilized HVAC system is likely to have its parts wear out quickly, which, in addition to replacing those parts, could lead to complete system replacements, which could be pretty costly.
• Indoor Air Quality Contains Contaminants: If the filter is used too extensively, it can become ineffective in commandeering indoor pollutants and allergens. These pollutants mess up the air, leading to respiratory issues and making the home feel less cozy.
• Total System Collapse: Another scenario that can occur solely due to a dirty filter is the HVAC overheating, which causes the system to shut down and requires expensive repair services.

After All

Should you be worried about your furnace filter not working correctly or any other heating and air conditioning service in Canton, GA, consider seeking help from Russell Heating and Air. Our personnel are always at our client’s disposal for any heating or cooling service, as we provide the means to ensure the clients’ comfort.

Call us for furnace servicing to book an appointment and receive the benefits of dealing with Russell Heating and Air.