During the hottest months of the year, it’s not a stretch to say that your air conditioner receives a lot of praise and attention. The same can be said for your furnace, which hogs the spotlight when temperatures plummet and your main priority is staying cozy.
Although many components make up our heating and cooling systems, many homeowners don’t recognize the significant role air filters play in their comfort. As the name suggests, an air filter removes airborne pollutants from the air before they have a chance to enter a home. These filters also allow your HVAC system to run smoothly and efficiently.
It’s important to stay on top of your air filter’s needs, as they can become dirty and clogged over time. So, how often should you change the air filter in your furnace? If the temperatures are starting to drop outside, you must know the answer to this question so that you can do what’s best for your heating system.
The Importance of Changing Furnace Filters
Before we can dive into how often you should change furnace filters, it’s important to know why this maintenance task is so important. Did you know that a dirty air filter can wreak havoc on your heating and cooling systems in more ways than one? For starters, dirty or clogged filters can limit the airflow that comes and goes from your HVAC system.
When there’s poor airflow afoot, your furnace will have to work harder to keep your home comfortable. The strain put on your HVAC system can lead to excessive wear and tear — and, eventually, the need for a furnace replacement in Montgomery County, PA.
Clogged filters can also spell trouble for your energy bills. If your HVAC system has to work twice as hard to do its job because the filter is dirty, this can lead to energy being wasted. As you can imagine, wasting energy can have negative consequences for your energy costs.
How Often Should You Change Furnace Filters?
If you’re unsure how often you should change furnace filters, it’s important to mention that there is a general rule you can follow. Many heating and cooling experts recommend replacing the filter at least once every 90 days.
Of course, various factors can influence how often you complete this simple but critical maintenance task. For example, thinner filters should be replaced on a more frequent basis than thicker ones. If you have a thicker filter, you can typically get away with changing it every 12 months or so.
Also, consider the type of filter you’re using. If you have a flat filter, it’s best to change it about every 30 days. If you use pleated filters, you can usually change them every 90 days.
Although it’s important to know that the type of filter you use can affect how often you replace it, there are other factors that you should keep in mind as well. Let’s discuss them in more detail below.
Think About Your Pets
If you want to know how often you should change the air filter in your furnace, consider your furry friends. Pets can distribute pet dander into your air; pet dander is a common airborne pollutant that can lead to various allergy symptoms, such as watery eyes, shortness of breath, and a stuffy nose.
Do you have one pet living in your home? If so, you might want to think about changing your filters every two months. If you have multiple pets, it’s a good idea to replace the filter on a more frequent basis — such as every month.
Consider Your Allergies
Allergies are no fun to deal with. If you or your family members have allergies, you’ll certainly want to replace your furnace filter more frequently. Dirty air filters can introduce various airborne pollutants into your home, including pollen, dust, and mold spores. These pollutants can worsen allergy symptoms, greatly disrupting your comfort and health.
If you’re wondering how often you should change your furnace filter when you have allergies, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. You’ll typically want to replace the filter every 30 or 60 days.
Factor in Your Household Size
Do you have a large household? If you do, you’ll want to replace your furnace filter more frequently than every 90 days. When many people are living in your home, they can constantly welcome new airborne contaminants into your living spaces. Pollutants can be tracked inside with shoes, or they can sneak in through the front door when you leave and enter the house.
So, how often should you change the air filter in your furnace when you have a large family? You’ll want to consider replacing it at least every 60 days. Of course, you should also take other factors into account, such as your pets, filter type, and whether or not you have allergies.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance With Marshall Services
It can be challenging to know how often you should change the air filter in your furnace. Every home is different, and your circumstances may differ from your next-door neighbor’s or best friend’s. It’s important to take your specific situation into account to find the best filter replacement schedule.
Now that you know often you should change furnace filters, don’t hesitate to contact Marshall Services for a furnace maintenance service. When we perform maintenance for heating systems, we will replace the air filter, inspect the unit, and provide a thorough cleaning.
We’re proud to be a go-to source for homeowners, whether they’re searching for dependable furnace and air conditioning services or home heating oil in Montgomery County, PA. Get in touch with us today!