Change Your Air Filter to Keep Your Furnace in Good Condition
Regular home maintenance is part of responsible homeownership. It helps ensure that all of the parts of your home that keep your family comfortable are working correctly. One regular maintenance task that should not be skipped is changing the air filter on your furnace. This quick, inexpensive task impacts your indoor air quality and can mean the difference between enjoying problem-free comfort in your home and paying for unnecessary repairs.
What Your Air Filter Does
In most homes, especially homes with newer HVAC systems, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are combined – which means that all the air that comes through the system is filtered by one filter. There are many types of filters, but they all work to prevent air particles of up to 40 microns from entering the system and clogging the machinery.
When the air filter gets too dirty, the air pressure in the system can drop which causes reduced air flow. The system must then work harder to do its job. Over time, this creates stress and may result in the furnace breaking down and needing to be repaired or replaced.
A dirty filter can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and mold, especially if it’s in a damp location. Mold spores can spread throughout the entire house via the HVAC system, creating an unhealthy atmosphere and an expensive problem to remediate.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
The rule of thumb is that, for an HVAC unit that sees nearly year-round use, you should change your air filter at least every three months. If your home has many pets or people living in it or if there is a lot of dust, pollen, or other airborne particulate, changing it once a month would be better.
Different HVAC systems take different types of filters. Most filters are disposable screens that are designed to trap as much air particulate as possible. There are many types of filters that will fit different types of furnace units. Make sure to use the right size filter for your furnace or it will not work properly. If you have questions about where your filter goes or how it is inserted, ask your HVAC professional when you have your furnace maintenance done.
Adding an AprilAire 1410 air purifier to your furnace unit will help keep the blower housing within your furnace clean. This means that the air within your entire home will also be cleaner. It comes with a healthy air filter that captures more pollen, dust, dander, and mold spores, leaving your air easier to breathe.
Have Your Furnace/HVAC Serviced Regularly
You should have your furnace serviced at least once per year. A furnace has many moving parts that can break or degrade over time. An HVAC technician will inspect the belts, coils, and fans as well as your ventilation ductwork to make sure everything is working properly and there are no clogs or other problems.
Changing your air filter regularly and having your HVAC system serviced at least annually will keep your air clean and your air handling system working smoothly. If you have questions about the quality of your air or your HVAC system, call us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We will be happy to schedule a time to look at your system and recommend solutions to improve the comfort of your home.
