How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter?

How often should I change my furnace filter? This question comes up all too often and it’s a good one. Here are a few images of what type of filters we commonly find in client’s homes. I know what you are thinking…how disgusting! Of course no one ever thinks their filters are going to look like that when they open up the register. However, the reality is, we go into the cleanest of homes and find the most impacted furnace filters. It’s easy to accumulate debris in your filters. from dead skin cells, to dust and general traffic being pulled in, there are endless little particles that are drawn in to your home. While we are currently talking about heaters, this applies to your air conditioner filters as well.

So, how often should you change your filter? We recommend monthly. It is an important chore that is overlooked and can often be the cause of breakdowns in your HVAC system. It is hard to believe, but a simple filter change is a great way to ensure that your furnace doesn’t have to work so hard to get heat to your home. When the filter becomes impacted, it causes the motor and other major electrical parts to struggle to push out the air flow. As you can see in the image to the left, the filter on your furnace is usually located inside the furnace. If you are not sure what type of filter to purchase you can always give us a call, we are glad to look up the make and model and make a recommendation.  Out technicians are prepared with well stocked trucks and will usually have a variety of filters on hand. Depending on the age, size and location of the furnace, you may want to ask a technician to do this for you on your next maintenance visit. As part of any furnace tune up, changing out the filter is always included.

Should I buy washable or disposable filters? Another question we get a lot. The washable furnace filters are pretty easy to clean and of course more environmentally friendly. They are also a little more expensive. If you don’t use your furnace very often then the you might want to purchase a stack of reusable ones. TV personality and home improvement guru, Bob Vila has a great blog on how to choose the right filter for your furnace. Most of the big box stores sell them in bulk. If you are a homeowner running in a million different directions and want help remembering those household chores that seem to be out of sight, out of mind, then check our Home Zada. It is an automated reminder service that provides you a checklist for things like changing your furnace filter, replacing batteries in your smoke detector and many other honey do’s.

For more information on the benefits of furnace maintenance check out this Youtube video and as always, when you are searching for reputable heating and air companies we are glad to be your vendor of choice.