How Often Do You Change Your Furnace Filter?

A furnace filter is one of the most crucial components of your furnace system. It protects your heating system by trapping dirt and dust before they can enter the unit.

A furnace filter gets dirty by trapping dirt and dust as it circulates through your heating system. The more often you use your heating system, the more dirt and dust will build up on the filter. Eventually, the filter will become clogged, making your heating system work harder than it should, leading to significant damage. Before your furnace faces a major breakdown, please call us at (805) 928-8844 for heating repair in Santa Maria, California, and surrounding areas. Our experienced technicians will inspect and take care of your furnace before it's too late.

What Damages Can A Dirty Furnace Filter Cause?

A furnace filter that is not routinely changed can cause a lot of damage to your heating system. The most common problems include:

• Reduced Efficiency: A clogged furnace filter will restrict airflow and make your heating system work harder than it needs to. It will lead to reduced efficiency and higher energy bills.
• System Breakdowns: A clogged furnace filter can cause your heating system to overheat and break down. It is a costly repair that could have been avoided with routine filter changes.
• Health Issues: A dirty furnace filter can circulate dust and allergens through your home, causing health problems such as headaches, congestion, and respiratory problems.

How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?

The frequency of changing your furnace filter depends on multiple factors. For example, the type of filter, the size of your home, the number of people in your household, and whether anyone in your family has allergies or asthma.

As a general rule of thumb, you should change your furnace filter every three months. However, if you have a disposable pleated air filter, you may need to change it more often. Pleated air filters help to trap smaller particles, so they will clog up more quickly than other types of filters.

If you have a reusable electrostatic air filter, you can clean it and reuse it for up to 6 months. These filters are designed to trap larger particles so that they don’t need to be changed as often.

If you have a reusable mesh air filter, you can wash it and reuse it for up to 12 months. Mesh air filters are very effective at trapping large and small particles, so they don't need to be changed as often as other filters.

Guidelines To Change The Furnace Filter

Most furnace filters are located in the return air duct or blower compartment. Check your user manual to find the location of the filter in your specific model. Once you have located the filter, simply remove it and replace it with a new one. Be sure to match the size and type of filter to the one you are replacing.

If you need help changing your furnace filter or have any other heating system questions, contact Organ & Sons Mechanical, Inc. We can help you with heating installation and repair in Santa Maria, CA, and the surrounding areas. Our experienced professionals can help keep your heating system running smoothly all winter. Give us a call at (805) 928-8844.