It's essential to get into the habit of inspecting your furnace filter every 30 days. Even though you should replace it every 3 months, you may need to do it more often. So, once a month, take a look at your air filter and see if it's gray and clogged with dust. Most furnace filters come in two types: flat and pleated.
Flat filters can get clogged more quickly because they have less surface area than pleated filters. The deeper the folds, the larger the surface area of the filter and the more space it will have to collect airborne particles, so it won't clog as quickly as a flat filter. For example, the Flanders front panel filter (available on Amazon) is a flat filter that should be changed every 30 days. On the other hand, pleated filters like the Honeywell Ultra Efficiency filter (also available on Amazon) have more square inches of space to trap dust, so they usually require fewer changes - usually every 90 days.
How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?
It's important to check the manufacturer's recommendations on how often you should change your furnace filter. This also depends on how old the system is and how often it is used. The EPA suggests checking the filter once a month, especially during the winter, and changing it if it looks dirty. In any case, you should change your furnace filter at least every three months.The general consensus among HVAC professionals is that you should replace your furnace filter every 90 days or every three months. However, this depends on the thickness of the filter. Thicker filters have more room to accumulate dirt and dust, so you don't need to change them as often. Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling and Plumbing of Ohio recommends changing filters that are less than 2 inches thick every 30 to 90 days.
Three- or 4-inch filters can last 6 to 9 months, and filters up to 6 inches thick can be replaced once a year.
Why Is It Important To Change Your Furnace Filter?
Over time, particles become trapped in the furnace filter, which restricts air flow through the heating system. The basic rule about how often an oven filter should be changed is every three months, but because it's used more during the winter, it can get dirty quickly and should be checked more often. If you don't change the boiler filter, it may become clogged to the point where little air can pass through.A technician will inspect and clean the components of the system to ensure that your furnace is operating efficiently. You can reduce the amount of pet hair and dander clogging the filter by regularly cleaning and grooming your pet. If you live in a temperate region like the Southwest, you may only turn on your furnace a few times during winter, so the standard 90-day schedule might be perfect for you. Clogged filters not only have a negative impact on a home's air quality but also force your furnace to work harder to draw air into the system, which can shorten its life.
A clean furnace improves your home's indoor air quality and increases its performance and lifespan. Filters are assigned a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which ranges from 1 to 16 - although ratings of 6 to 12 are best for residential furnaces. If your furniture gets dusty soon after you clean it, your furnace filter may be clogged and no longer effectively remove dust from the air.
How To Clean Your Furnace Filter
Cleaning your furnace can be complex and potentially dangerous if you're not familiar with necessary equipment and safety procedures.Doing it yourself saves money - although you'll have to pay for a new furnace filter and cleaning supplies - but it's important to remember that a clean filter is necessary to prevent dust from passing through your air conditioning system where it can accumulate in its internal coils and reduce its efficiency. The most common symptoms of a dirty furnace filter are higher heating bills, poor air quality, and poor air flow. To clean it, loosen screws that hold its cover in place if it's located behind a ventilation grill or simply pull it out of its slot if it's on the side of your furnace. Your furnace will have to work harder to pump air through a clogged filter which will increase energy bills and shorten its life.
So make sure you check your furnace filter every 30 days and replace it at least every three months.
