Key Takeaways:
- Depending on what kind of furnace filter you have, determines how often you should change them.
- The furnace filters should be replaced regularly to promote better air flow and higher indoor air quality.
Furnaces are the key component to keeping a warm, comfortable home. However, in order for your furnace to effectively heat your home, you need to know the importance and when to change the furnace air filters. So, let’s answer the question “how often should you replace your furnace air filters?”
The Importance of Furnace Air Filters
The furnace air filters are responsible for trapping airborne particles such as dust, pet hair, and any other airborne particles from entering the air in your home. When these filters go unchanged for a long period of time, they can become clogged and can hinder the efficiency of your furnace and can even cause higher energy bills!
It is also good to note that furnace filters trap allergy-causing particles such as pollen and dust, making it easier for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.
To further elevate your indoor air quality, we recommend a UV that is placed directly in your HVAC system that kills airborne particles, thus making your indoor air free of these particles. Fun fact, hospitals use UV lights in their HVAC system! For more information on air purification techniques, give us a call today!
Issues from Poor Furnace Filters Maintenance
When you don’t change the furnace filters regularly, they get full of dust and debris. Once this happens, air has a harder time flowing through the filters causing improper airflow. When the system is having to work harder to push the air out, it can raise your monthly energy bills or even cause damages to the system.
In addition to improper air flow, once the furnace filters get full it can no longer trap airborne particles, allowing those particles to enter the air that you breathe. Depending on the type of filter can determining how often to change them:
- 1- 2 inch filters should be replaced every 1-3 months.
- 3-4 inch filters should be replaced every 6-9 months.
- 5-6 inch filters should be replaced every 9-12 months.
If you have any questions regarding how often you should replace your furnace filters, give The Chill Brothers a call! We service many areas including HVAC repair Austin.
Factors That Affect Filter Replacement Frequency
As mentioned above, the frequency of replacing the furnace filter depends on many factors including the type of filter, home environment and seasonal changes.
Home Environment: If you have a lot of pets with fur, or live with someone who smokes or has allergies, you might want to change your filters more often to keep your indoor air clean.
Seasonal changes: Especially in Texas’ harsh winters, when your furnace is running for most of the day, you might have to change the filters more frequently.
How to Tell When Your Filter Needs Replacement
How do I know when I should replace the furnace filters? Here are a couple signs:
- Visible dust or first buildup in your home
- Reduced airflow
- Dust around air vents
- Sudden high energy bills
It is crucial to know these signs in order to obtain and maintain a healthy indoor environment!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It is no secret that furnace filter maintenance is crucial to having a warm, comfortable home. You want to avoid these common mistakes:
- Not changing the furnace filters regularly
- Using the wrong filter size for your furnace
- Installing the filter incorrectly
To avoid these mistakes, give us a call to make sure your furnace filters are correct and that it is running at optimal level!
For all of your HVAC projects, contact The Chill Brothers today! We offer many services including HVAC installation and repairs, preventative maintenance, air purification techniques and more!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Where are furnace filters located at?
A. Typically, furnace filters are located in the blower of the furnace. If you can’t find it, contact your trusted HVAC provider for assistance.
Q. How often should I get a furnace tune-up?
A. It is recommended to get bi-annual tune-ups, ideally one in the Fall and one in the Spring. To stay on top of furnace maintenance, you should consider enrolling in our Chill Preventative Maintenance Plan! With this plan you can receive bi-annual tune-ups, priority service and more! Give us a call today to enroll.
I’m Francis Kaspar, a 35-year-old HVAC technician with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I hold a certification in HVAC technology from Texas State Technical College, where I gained hands-on skills that shaped my career.
Currently, I’m working at The Chill Brothers, specializing in AC installation, repair, and energy-efficient solutions. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two kids.
I’m also passionate about sharing my HVAC knowledge written by articles that provide practical tips and tricks for homeowners.
