Home Help Guides

Oct 14, 2024 | Michael Jestadt

How Often to Replace Furnace Filter?

To keep your central air system in good condition, homeowners must regularly change their air filters. However, many must realize they must change their furnace filter regularly. Most people forget about this, even though the furnace filter helps clean the air for your heating system. A simple way to improve your home’s air quality is by often changing your filters. Changing your air filters is quick to do and can help your furnace last longer. In this article, we will discuss how often to replace furnace filters.

What Does a Furnace Filter Do?

A furnace filter works like a shield, preventing dust and dirt from clogging your furnace and HVAC system. This helps your equipment run smoothly, improves the air quality of your home, and can save you money on utility bills. Using furnace filters has other benefits, too. They keep the HVAC system free of harmful particles and help clean the air you breathe.

Why Does Your Furnace Need Air Filtration?

The priority of the furnace filter is to remove pollutants like dust and debris from the air that can accumulate in the furnace. Air filtration improves indoor air quality. It removes allergens like pollen and mold and makes it easier for asthma and allergic patients to breathe freely. Air pollution is a health hazard that can be prevented indoors. Furnace filters act as an affordable way to reduce viruses in the air and safeguard our health.

Problems Caused by Poor Filter Maintenance

Filters need to be changed regularly. If not, dust and debris will accumulate on the filters, making it challenging for the air to flow. Interruption in air flow can make the device work harder. If the furnace doesn’t provide enough heat during peak winter time, then there are chances of the device freezing.

The dust particles that are trapped on the filters can enter the device if not cleaned for a long time. Dust particles can create mechanical issues in the device, resulting in expensive repairs. Regularly changing the filters can minimize the risk of system failure or expensive repairs.

How Often to Change Furnace Filter?

The frequency of changing the furnace filter can depend on several factors, which we have mentioned below:

Air Filter Type

Various types of air filters are available on the market, including pleated and fiberglass filters. It is advised to contact an HVAC expert to determine what type of filter suits your furnace system.

• Fiberglass furnace filters are an affordable option for every homeowner. However, they may not be efficient in eliminating large particles in the air. They wear off easily and usually need replacement every month.
• Pleated filters are effective furnace filters that can be used in furnace devices. Their pleated design helps trap dust and dirt particles. They are a bit expensive compared to fiberglass filters and must be changed once every 3-6 months, depending on the MERV rating.

MERV Rating

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The MERV rating defines the efficiency of the furnace filter. A higher MERV rating means the filter is better at removing dust, dirt, pollen, and other tiny particles. MERV ratings also affect how often you need to change your filters.

Based on MERV ratings, the filter has the following efficiency

• MERV 1-4 furnace filters – Once a month
• MERV 5-8 furnace filters – Every 3 months
• MERV 9-11 furnace filters – Every 6 months
• MERV 12-16 filters – Every 9 months

Pets in the Home

If you are a pet parent, you know they shed a lot of fur. This means you’ll need to change your furnace filter more often. Pet fur and dander can quickly clog the filter, making it less effective and leading to more allergens and pollutants in your home. This can worsen indoor air quality.

HVAC System Usage

The frequency of furnace filter change depends on the furnace system’s usage. If the system is running for a long time, you need to change the filter more often, as the air exchange will be greater, and the filters will be clogged easily. When the system is not used frequently, the filter can last longer.

Symptoms of Dirty Furnace Filter

• Sudden increase in utility bills during winter
• Low air quality in the indoors
• Frequent fluctuations in temperature
• Shut down of the device due to more clogs
• Damaged heat exchanger
• High pet dander, fur, and dust in the surrounding of the house
• Breathing issues
• Increase in allergies

While you have decided to change the furnace filter, just have a physical check. If the filter is dark brown in color and has debris, it needs to be changed. If it has visible white plates, it is fine and lasts longer.

Conclusion

A properly maintained furnace system can help improve indoor air quality. It also increases the longevity and efficiency of the system. You can change a furnace filter yourself, but hiring a heating expert for regular maintenance is better. Cleaning a furnace can be complicated and risky, especially if you don’t know the equipment and safety steps. At Smart Heating and Air Conditioning, we have experts to identify and resolve the issue to restore the furnace performance. Get reliable heating and cooling solutions that save you money and keep your home feeling just right. Contact us today for a free consultation!