Consequences of a Dirty Furnace Filter
With winter just around the corner, it’s time to make sure your furnace is in good working order. One of the most important tasks is to replace your dirty furnace filter. Why is the filter so important? We’ll explain.
What an Air Filter Does
Your furnace’s air filter plays a huge part in keeping the air in your home clean, and keeping your furnace running properly. Here are just a few of the things your furnace does:
- Traps and keeps dust, dirt and pollen from circulating through your home
- Helps to trap and contain mould and mould spores
- Catches fibers and lint
- Traps any metal, plaster or wood particles that may be circulating
- Collects hair and fur from your pets
- Traps bacteria and microorganisms
As you can see, having a clean air filter in place can keep a wide variety of contaminants and particles out of the air that your family breathes on a daily basis. Plus, it also keeps these particles out of the furnace, which could otherwise cause problems.
Dirty Furnace Filter Problems
What happens if your furnace filter is too dirty to do its job? Both your family and your furnace will then be exposed to the particles the filter would otherwise catch.
This can cause a few problems, including:
- Added strain on your furnace: A dirty air filter restricts air flow. Therefore, your furnace too will have to work harder to suck in air. Over time this wears on the furnace, which can result in expensive repairs.
- Increased energy bills: As your furnace is working harder, it will consume more energy. This increases your carbon footprint and your utility bills.
- Improper heating: A dirty air filter affects how the heat comes into and is distributed throughout your home. Your furnace will not be able to distribute heat as effectively when the filter is dirty, which could result in cold spots in your home.
- Dirty air: When your furnace filter can’t catch any particles anymore, they end up in your air. This reduction in air quality can affect your health, including allergies and respiratory illnesses.2
How Often Should You Change Your Furnace’s Air Filter?
To ensure the air flowing through your home remains clean, we recommend that you change your air filter every three months. This will help make sure that the filter is able to do its job properly throughout the year.
If you’re looking for expert advice on the hazards of a dirty furnace filter and a whole lot more, contact the heating and cooling experts at Comfort Plus ClimateCare.
