Most people don’t know how often they should change their furnace filter. Some don’t even know they have a furnace filter! The filter is an important part of your furnace, and it needs to be changed regularly to keep your furnace running efficiently and prevent costly repairs.
What are Furnace Filters?
Furnace filters are designed to remove airborne particles from the air that passes through your furnace. These particles can include dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. Some furnace filters are also designed to remove smoke and other pollutants from the air.
Why Do I Need to Change My Furnace Filter?
If you don’t change your furnace filter, the air that circulates through your home will be full of dust, pollen, and other allergens. This can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies. Additionally, a dirty filter can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to, which can lead to higher energy bills and premature wear and tear on your furnace.
How Often Do You Need to Change Furnace Filters?
How often you need to change your filter depends on the type of filter you have and the amount of traffic in your home. Most filters need to be changed every three to six months, but if you have pets or allergies, you may need to change your filter more often.
5 Factors Affecting How Often You Need to Change Furnace Filters
Many factors affect how often you need to change your furnace filter:
Type of Filter
The type of filter you have will affect how often you need to change your filter. For example, disposable pleated filters need to be changed every 30-60 days, while reusable pleated filters can be used for up to a year before they need to be washed.
Size of Home
The size of your home will also affect how often you need to change your filter. A larger home will need a new filter more often than a smaller home.
Number of People in the Home
The number of people in your home will also affect how often you need to change your filter. If you have a lot of people in your home, you will need to change your filter more often than if you have a smaller number of people in your home.
Pets
If you have pets, you will need to change your filter more often than if you do not have pets. Pets shed hair and skin, which can clog your filter and cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to.
Allergies
If you or someone in your family has allergies, you may need to change your furnace filter more often. This is because the filter will collect more pollen, dust, and other allergens.
What Are the Different Types of Furnace Filters?
There are two main types of furnace filters: pleated filters and disposable filters.
Pleated filters, which are made of pleated paper designed to trap more particles than a disposable filter, are more expensive than disposable filters. However, they last longer and are more effective at trapping particles.
Disposable filters are made of paper that is designed to trap particles, but they need to be replaced more often than pleated filters.
Conclusion
It is important to change your furnace filter regularly to keep your furnace running efficiently and to protect your family’s health. The frequency with which you need to change it depends on several factors, including the type of filter you have, the size of your furnace, and the amount of use your furnace gets. Generally speaking, you should plan on changing your filter at least once every three months.
If you need furnace maintenance, Climate Experts is a name you can trust! We are a Canadian-owned and operated company serving the Durham region, GTA and the surrounding area. We install, service and maintain all major brands of furnaces and air conditioners. We are available to serve you 24/7 emergency service in a quick and timely manner. Schedule an appointment today to learn more!
