The importance of changing your furnace filter regularly

November 2nd, 2021

If you have a furnace to provide heat to your home, changing the filter is important for several reasons. Because of their filtration function, they become dirty and clogged over time. Once the filter is dirty, not only does it not do its job properly, but it can cause more harm than good. In this article, the indoor air quality specialists at Solution D’Air in Gatineau explain why it is important to replace your furnace filter regularly.

Healthy indoor air

Furnace filters play a major role in improving indoor air quality in homes with CVC or forced-air heating systems.

Furnace filters trap airborne particles that have been drawn into the furnace and, as the name implies, filter the air heated by the furnace into the ducts and heat vents of your home. When the filter is dirty, some of the contaminants that are caught by the furnace filters are released into the air circulating in your home. These contaminants can be fur and pet hair if you are a furry friend, microorganisms and bacteria, molds and spores, pollen, dirt and dust, lint, and other fibers. If you don’t change your furnace filter regularly, it will become clogged with the various contaminants and your air quality will suffer. You may suspect poor indoor air quality if you regularly experience eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, continuous fatigue, or uncontrollable asthma. The instructions on the filter package will tell you how often you should change it.

An efficient furnace!

To ensure that your furnace is efficient, the filter must be clean because if it is dirty, the quantity and strength of the air circulating in the furnace will be reduced. Pay attention to the heat variations between floors, if the upper floors don’t stay as hot as usual it’s probably because your furnace is not performing as well because of a clogged filter. To keep a constant and uniform heat in the house, without cold spots (places that stay cooler than the others), you must change the filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Energy savings

By changing your furnace filter regularly, you will quickly realize heating savings. Your furnace won’t have to work twice as hard to provide heat to your home. In fact, the longer your furnace has to run to keep your home warm, the higher your electricity and gas bills will be. Changing the filter is a simple and effective way to save your money.

A longer life span

In the same vein of potential savings from changing the filter, there is also an increase in the life of your furnace. Dirty filters make your furnace work harder and this is associated with more frequent repairs and eventually premature replacement of your unit. Compared to the high cost of repairing or replacing your furnace, the low price of filters at the hardware store makes regular replacement a must.

If you have any questions about your furnace filter or other concerns about the air quality in your house, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Solution D’Air in Gatineau.

We are always happy to help!