Maintaining your furnace is important for several reasons. Not only does it ensure that your heating system is working efficiently, but it can also help to extend the life of your furnace and save you money on energy bills. One simple, yet often overlooked, aspect of furnace maintenance is changing the filter. In this post, we’ll go over why changing your furnace filter is so important and how to do it.
Why Change Your Furnace Filter?
Your furnace filter is responsible for trapping dust, dirt, and other debris that can accumulate in your heating system. Over time, this filter can become clogged, which can lead to several problems. Here are just a few reasons why it’s important to change your furnace filter regularly:
- Improved Air Quality: A dirty furnace filter can reduce the air quality in your home by circulating dust, dirt, and other contaminants. By changing your filter regularly, you can help to improve the air quality in your home and create a healthier living environment.
- Increased Efficiency: A dirty furnace filter can restrict the flow of air, which can make your furnace work harder to heat your home. This can lead to increased energy usage and higher energy bills. By changing your filter regularly, you can help to keep your furnace running efficiently and save money on energy costs.
- Extended Furnace Life: When your furnace has to work harder to heat your home, it can lead to wear and tear on the system. This can shorten the life of your furnace and result in costly repairs. By changing your filter regularly, you can help to extend the life of your furnace and avoid costly repairs.
How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?
The frequency with which you should change your furnace filter depends on a few factors, including the type of filter you have, the level of air pollution in your area, and the amount of dust and debris in your home. In general, it’s a good idea to change your filter every 1-3 months. However, if you have pets or live in an area with high levels of air pollution, you may need to change your filter more frequently.
How to Change Your Furnace Filter:
Changing your furnace filter is a simple task that can be done in just a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate your furnace filter. This is usually located in the return air duct or in the furnace itself.
- Turn off your furnace and remove the old filter. Some filters are held in place with clips or latches, while others may simply slide out.
- Measure the size of your old filter and purchase a new filter that is the same size.
- Install the new filter. Make sure it is properly seated in the filter compartment and that the arrow on the filter is pointing in the direction of the furnace.
- Turn your furnace back on and check for proper operation.
By following these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and effectively. Don’t forget to change your furnace filter regularly to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low.
