Are you having trouble with your furnace? You’ve probably already found out that a dirty filter can lead to all kinds of problems. Now learn exactly how often to change your furnace filter and why.
Why Do I Need to Change My Furnace Filter?
Changing your furnace filter is a fast, easy DIY task that will keep your indoor air quality cleaner and help avoid costly furnace repair.
The filter has an essential job — preventing airborne dust, dirt, and hair from getting into your furnace’s components. All that gunk builds up in the filter instead… which is why regularly changing your furnace filter is so important. Left alone, it will clog up, restricting airflow to your heating system. That can cause the furnace to blow cold air, make loud noises, or even overheat and crack your heat exchanger.
How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter?
You’ll need to change a standard disposable furnace filter at least every 90 days. However, you should check once a month to see whether it is starting to clog. (Tip: Schedule a reminder on your phone.)
If you see heavy dirt buildup and a greyish colour, feel free to go ahead and change the filter. New filters are inexpensive and readily available. Changing your furnace filter will reduce furnace repairs and prevent replacement.
When to Change a Filter More Often
Why is there no hard-and-fast rule about how often to change your furnace filter? Simple. Every home is different. The following special conditions might mean more frequent changes are a good idea:
1. Your House Is Very Dusty
Dust and furnace filters do not play nicely. When your house is exceptionally dusty (due to home renovations, perhaps?), check and change your filter more often.
2. You Own a Pet
Furry or feathered friends are adorable, but lots of that adorable fluff will end up in your furnace air filter. Changing it monthly is recommended.
3. There’s Asthma or Allergies in Your Family
If a family member has breathing difficulties like asthma or respiratory allergies, your home’s indoor air quality is essential. Keep it clean with frequent filter changes.
4. You Use Your HVAC A Lot
When you run your furnace or air conditioning heavily (usually a good part of the year in our GTA climate), your air filter fills with dirt faster. Be prepared to change it accordingly.
Changing a Furnace Filter: How To’s
- Switch off the power supply to your furnace.
- Pop-out your air filter. (It’s located in the return air vent.)
- Check which type it is — disposable or reusable. (Disposables are framed with plastic.)
- For a disposable filter, simply discard it in the trash. Sorry, it’s not recyclable! Then slide in a fresh one of the same size (the size is marked on the filter frame). The printed arrows should point toward the furnace (in the direction of the airflow).
- For a reusable filter, vacuum or brush off all the surface dirt. Then wipe the filter with a damp, lint-free cloth. Let it dry before reinserting.
- Turn your furnace back on.
Husky Provides Complete Furnace Maintenance
Changing the air filter is a fantastic first step to keep your furnace in top shape. Now let Husky take care of the rest. We provide professional furnace maintenance and repair in the Greater Toronto area.
Here’s what one of our happy customers has to say: “This was the first time we used Husky and we were extremely satisfied. Kuslan, the technician, explained what he was doing and why. He also gave me tips regarding furnace filters. We’ll use Husky again.”
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