Winter is just around the corner again. Households will need to turn up their furnaces when the temperature drops to sub-zero levels once more. However, it may be time to change the filter of your furnace first.
How often do you need to change the filter? And how do you know when it does require a change? If you don’t know the answer to these questions, don’t worry. The following article will discuss the essential things you need to know about maintaining your furnace filter.
Furnace Filter Maintenance
If you have never changed your filter before, you may need to change it now. You should check on your furnace’s filter as soon as you can, preferably before the severe winter cold starts to creep in. Here are a few facts about furnaces, their filters, and how to properly maintain them.
Change Your Filter At Least Every 90 Days
To keep your furnace running smoothly, it is a good idea to have your filter changed at least every 90 days or every three months. This will ensure that your furnace will continue to function as it should. If you fail to change your furnace’s filter as recommended, dirt and other sediments may stay on the filter and potentially cause damage to it in the long run.
Check On Your Filter Regularly
It is essential to check on the status of your furnace filter every 30 days. Check that the filter is clean enough to allow adequate airflow. If you observe that the filter needs a change, it is a good idea to change it even if it has not yet been 90 days since the last time you did. This is especially true for filters that have been used more than usual or have been subject to factors that make it dirty more quickly.
What Are The Factors That Affect Furnace Filters?
Several different factors may affect your furnace filter. These unique factors may make the filter accumulate dirt and dust more quickly, thus making the need for filter replacement more frequent. Here is a list of some of these factors.
Pets
If you have pets in your home, the fur that they shed may affect the filter in the furnace. Certain breeds of domestic pets shed more hair than others. The fur may get caught in the filter, causing it to become less effective.
If The Filter Gets Wet
Filters can get wet from the leakage of water from the furnace. That is a separate problem that needs to be repaired. After you have it repaired, there may still be moisture left on the filter. Similar to the fur that pets shed, moisture can also restrict the airflow.
Frequency Of Use
Heavy usage of the furnace may also cause the air filter to quickly accumulate dust. During the cold months, when the furnace is used more frequently, you may need to look into replacing your air filter more frequently.
Replacing Your Air Filter
First, check whether your furnace uses a disposable air filter or a reusable one. Then, turn off your furnace. Make sure that it has cooled down before you open up the filter from the return air vent. If your furnace uses a disposable filter, replace it with a new one. If it uses a permanent filter, carefully take the filter out and use a brush or other cleaning tool to get rid of the dust buildup. After that, close the vent, and your furnace will be as good as new!
Conclusion
Keep in mind that for your furnace to continue to function normally, the filter needs to be checked regularly. Keep your house warm by maintaining a clean filter on your furnace this winter season. You will also avoid having a furnace emergency if you maintain it well.
You may be hesitant or afraid to change your air filter. If you are, we have the solution for you! We offer various HVAC services, including furnace maintenance repairs and maintenance in Leduc. Contact us to get your HVAC in the best working order today!