January 24, 2018
You’ve penciled in your annual doctor’s visit, and you’re getting ready to take your car in for an oil change — but have you thought about the health of your home heating system? Just like you or your car, your furnace needs regular check-ups in order to stay safe and healthy. One simple thing you can do for your furnace every month is to check and replace the filter.
What Your Furnace Filter Does
Many Chesapeake, VA and North Carolina homeowners neglect the furnace filter for months (and even years) on end, but this just leads to a wide range of issues. Furnaces pump heated air throughout your home, and your filter is what keeps that air clean. Without a furnace filter, your indoor air would be filled with dust, particles, and other contaminants.
Once a furnace filter becomes dirty, it cannot keep indoor air clean as effectively. It may also impede airflow or even cause your furnace to overheat, leading to a number of costly heating issues. If you want to promote healthy indoor air quality, prevent respiratory issues, heat your home efficiently, and safeguard your furnace against an unexpected breakdown, it’s important to check your furnace filter regularly and replace as needed.
How Often to Change a Furnace Filter
How often you change your furnace filter largely depends on the type of filter you use. It’s best to check the filter manufacturer’s recommendation. In general, it’s a good idea to check your furnace filter once a month.
If, when you hold the filter up to a light, it looks dirty or clogged, it needs to be replaced. Be sure to change the filter before it becomes completely dirty or clogged, as this will keep your indoor air clean and allow your furnace to continue heating your home efficiently.
Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance
Changing the filter is only one step of preventive maintenance you should take for your furnace. For a furnace that runs safely and efficiently all winter long, year after year, be sure to schedule at least one furnace check-up per year. During your annual check-up, a certified technician will inspect and test the furnace for safe operation, clean the coils, tighten all electrical connections, and lubricate all moving parts. These steps, when combined with replacing the filter regularly, will extend the life of your furnace and keep it running at peak performance, helping you save on your home heating bills.
