Do You Change Your Furnace Filter Often?

If you are like most people, you really don’t give your furnace filters the care they demand.

When your air filter gets dirty and grimy, this has a significant negative effect on the proper operation of your furnace. Changing your filter is usually a pretty simple process. If you need assistance, the professionals at Lee’s Heating and Air would be happy to help.

What Does Air Filters Do?

Furnace filters do a lot more work then what you really think.

Furnace filters are responsible to reduce smoke, pollen, bacteria, dust, dust mites, pet dander and more from the air you breathe.

Filter replacement is quite inexpensive but it helps your furnace maintain proper airflow. The filters are designed to catch particles and dirt that would cause considerable damage to your furnace if they were not captured in the filtering process.

Furnace filters help improve the air quality inside your home. However, the problem is that once they become full of dirt they can block airflow and negatively impact the efficiency of your air system.

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What are Air Filters Made Up of?

Not all air filters work the same way.

  • Carbon air filters help get rid of odor and improve indoor air quality.
  • Fiberglass filters capture large particles
  • Polyester filters help eliminate particles 5 microns or larger
  • Electrostatic filters attract particles out of your air
  • Pleated filters are high efficiency filters that trap particulates 0.3 microns in size
  • HEPA filters are excellent at eliminating indoor pollutants

How Often Should the Furnace Filters Be Changed?

Furnace owners often have this question in the back of their mind, “How often should your furnace filter be changed?”

The general rule of thumb is at least every 3 months. If you have pets that shed, then the rule is to change the filter on a monthly basis. Furnace filters are only a few dollars each so there is really no reason not to change them often.

Reasons To change the Furnace Filters

Changing or cleaning the furnace filters is extremely important because of the following reasons.

  • Extend the HVAC Life

    Dirty filters are one of the most common reasons why an HVAC system breaks down. As the filters are clogged, it becomes difficult for the air to pass, causing overheating of the furnace. Replacing the filters is an easy way to lengthen the life of your HVAC system.

  • Keep Energy Cost Low

    As clogged filters make the system work hard, it increases your utility bills. Changing clogged air filters can help you save up to 15 percent on your utility bills.

  • Maintain Healthy Air Quality

    If you or your loved ones suffer from asthma or allergies, clogged air filters can worsen the situation. An easy fix to improve the indoor air quality is to replace the air filters at regular intervals.

  • Increase System’s Efficiency

    Clogged air filters mean the system needs to work harder. This, in turn, means extra repair, service, and expenses that you may have not thought of.

We are Here To Help!

If you are not comfortable cleaning or changing your own furnace filters, you can always get in touch with expert HVAC professionals.

To schedule a pre-season winter inspection and tune-up, call Lee’s Heating and Air today at (801) 467-1561 or just fill in the form and our support team will contact you right away.