Keeping a comfy and cost-effective home can depend even on the smallest details, one of which is the filter in your home's furnace system. Trust us, as your friendly neighbourhood HVAC experts, we understand how easy it is to overlook a furnace air filter replacement.
This raises the question, "How frequently should you replace your furnace filter?" The answer isn't as straightforward as it may seem to be, as it is actually determined by a number of variables, such as the type of filter, the air quality in your home, and how often you use your heating system.
So, if you want to learn more about your furnace air filter and how you can tell when to change it, keep reading, as the team at Dunn Heating lays out everything you need to know below.
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Do you really need to change the furnace filter every 3 months?
Yes and no. Essentially, the 3-month suggestion for furnace filter replacement is a general rule of thumb that applies to the vast majority of recyclable furnace filters. In reality, the longevity of a furnace air filter may fluctuate depending on quite a lot of factors. As such, the frequency with which you need to replace your air filter will be influenced by your individual circumstances, which include the size of your household, how frequently you use your heating system, whether you have pets, as well as what kind of filter you utilize.
As a result, it is highly recommended that you make a habit of checking the condition of your air filter on a regular basis. When you notice a decrease in airflow from your unit, a sudden increase in energy usage, or a visible build-up of dirt and other particulate matter on the air filter, it's most likely time to go ahead and change it. Maintaining this regular filter examination practice will not only help you preserve optimum indoor air quality, but it's also going to help you ensure the greatest energy efficiency and the performance of your heating equipment.
How often should you change your furnace filter in the winter?
Winter can exacerbate concerns about indoor air quality in a lot of parts of the province. Increased heating system use, for instance, coupled with reduced air circulation from the outdoors, can lead to an accumulation of pollutants and contaminants inside your home. Therefore, homeowners may want to replace their furnace air filters more frequently than once every 1 to 3 months.
Additionally, if you live with household pets, keep in mind that pet dander is one of the leading causes that can clog air filters more quickly. As a result, it is entirely dependent on your specific situation as a homeowner. We recommend that you continue to inspect your air filter on a regular basis for visible signs of accumulation that could be affecting your furnace and your home's indoor air quality.
How can I tell if my furnace filter needs changing?
Regularly inspecting your filter can help maintain the hygienic conditions of the air inside your home as well as the performance of the heating system you use.
Here are just a few indicators that your furnace system's filter should be changed or washed:
- Visible debris in your air filter: If you observe an overgrowth of dirt, dust, pet dander, hair, or other impurities on the outermost layer of the air filter, it's time to clean it or have it replaced entirely.
- Reduced airflow coming from your furnace: A clog in the air filter may restrict air from being able to move through your home's heating system. The lack of airflow from your vents is most likely due to a dirty filter that needs to be replaced.
- Increasing energy costs each month: When your furnace system has to work harder to push air through a filter that is full of debris, the amount of energy you use increases. A clogged filter has the potential to be the cause of an unexpected increase in your monthly energy costs.
- Unequal heating throughout your home: If some of the spaces in your home are colder than others, it could be due to a clogged filter that limits airflow to specific areas.
- Greater allergies or respiration symptoms: If you or any of your loved ones are experiencing a flare-up in allergies or respiratory problems, it is possible that it is due to a dirty filter allowing a more significant number of pollutants and contaminants to enter your home.
Because different kinds of filters have varying lifespans, consider the type of filter that you're using and how it's being utilized. If in doubt, examine the filter for wear at least every 30 days and switch it when one or more of the above symptoms appear or when it reaches the recommended replacement period.
How long do furnace air filters last?
The general lifespan of a furnace filter varies depending on factors such as filter type, the cleanliness of the air, use, as well as individual circumstances in the home. Recyclable filters usually have a lifespan of one to three months, while reusable filters are capable of lasting for a number of years if they are taken care of properly.
As a result, if you are uncertain whether your air filter has come to the end of its useful life, we encourage you to consult your local HVAC company in your area to have one of their technicians come and examine your system in person.
When was the last time you had the filter in your furnace changed? Reach out to the team at Dunn Heating to schedule a maintenance appointment today. We're available 24/7/365 days a year, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays at no extra cost!
