The indoor air quality in your home is important. This is because it is where you spend most of your time and it impacts your health and wellbeing. The quality of the air in your home can be affected by many factors such as the type of building materials used, the number of people living in the home and the way it is heated. Furnaces and other sources of combustion are significant contributors to poor indoor air quality because they produce harmful substances such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. This means that it’s important to change your furnace filter regularly to maintain good indoor air quality and protect you from these harmful substances.

What is the difference between a furnace filter and air filter?

A furnace filter is designed to trap dust, dirt and other contaminants from the air before it reaches the furnace and burns them. An air filter, on the other hand, is an appliance that uses a filter to trap contaminants in the air, removing them from the air as it passes through.In general, a furnace filter is a piece of equipment that sits in the ductwork and traps contaminants before they reach the furnace. An air filter is a removable device that you place in a central location in your home, such as in the main living area, to remove dust and other contaminants from the air. Furnace filters are part of the HVAC system and should be changed regularly, while air filters are a standalone appliance that you can change whenever you like.

How often should you change your furnace filter?

The frequency with which you change your furnace filter depends on the type of filter you have and the type of fuel your furnace uses. In general, it’s recommended to change your filter every three to six months, although this may vary depending on the type of fuel your furnace uses, the climate in which you live and the type of filter you use.Types of Furnace Filter and How Often You Should Change ThemThe following are some of the most common types of furnace filters and the frequency with which you should change them.Single-stage filter: This is the most basic type of filter and is usually made of a combination of fiberglass and a mesh layer. This type of filter is recommended to be changed every two to three months.Two-stage filter: This is a more complex type of filter that includes two layers: a paper layer and a metal or fiber layer. This type of filter is recommended to be changed every three to six months.Three-stage filter: This is a more complex type of filter that includes three layers: a paper layer, a metal layer, and a layer of activated carbon. This type of filter is recommended to be changed every three to six months.Electronic air cleaner: This is a type of filter that uses an electronic sensor to detect the level of contaminants in the air and then releases a charge of ions to attract and eliminate these contaminants. This type of filter is recommended to be changed every six months.

Why is it important to change your furnace filter?

Furnace filters trap contaminants from the air, helping to prevent them from reaching the furnace and potentially causing damage. If you don’t change your filter regularly, these contaminants can build up and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. This can lead to higher energy bills, reduced air quality, and increased maintenance costs. It’s important to change your filter regularly to maintain good indoor air quality and protect your HVAC system.Furnace filters trap dust, dirt, pollen and other contaminants such as mildew, pet dander, bacteria and smoke. These contaminants can cause allergies and other health issues. It’s important to change your filter regularly to avoid these problems and enjoy fresh, clean air in your home.

What are the benefits of changing your furnace filter?

Regularly changing your furnace filter can help improve the efficiency and performance of your HVAC system. This is because it prevents contaminants from clogging the system, which can reduce its efficiency and increase the amount of energy it uses. This can help you save money on your energy bills.Regularly changing your filter can also help improve the indoor air quality in your home. This is because it traps contaminants and prevents them from reaching the furnace, reducing the amount of harmful substances it produces. This can help improve your health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

Furnace filters trap contaminants from the air, helping to prevent them from reaching the furnace and potentially causing damage. If you don’t change your filter regularly, these contaminants can build up and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. This can lead to higher energy bills, reduced air quality, and increased maintenance costs. It’s important to change your filter regularly to maintain good indoor air quality and protect your HVAC system.

Frequently Asked Question

The furnace filter needs to be replaced depending on your location. For colder zones, you might want to change it every 30 – 60 days because furnaces usually go on for many months and do not take a break. For warmer areas, you may only replace it twice during the winter or after 90 days. It also varies on the thickness of the furnace filters. The thinner your filter, the more frequent you get to replace it.
If you fail to change your furnace filter, this might affect the performance of your furnace. It will pressure your equipment to work harder because of a decrease in airflow. Worse, it might damage your equipment forcing you to have it repaired or replaced. The furnace will overheat once you turn it on without a new air filter.
Technically without a furnace filter, your furnace will still operate. However, you will risk your family’s health and your equipment’s performance as well. Furnace filters make sure that contaminants, dust, and microbes do not get inside your house so you will not breathe dirty air.
A dirty furnace filter looks darker than the first time you bought it. The air also smells funny. You get lower airflow and your equipment works hard causing your electric bills to soar. Soon you will get sick, and develop headaches and allergies.
The fibers can’t do their job when it is placed backward. The furnace will work harder to keep up with its desired output. This will increase your energy cost and damage your equipment. Smaller particles will accumulate causing build-up.