Maintaining your furnace is key to keeping your home warm and comfortable, particularly during colder months. One critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of furnace care is regularly changing the furnace filter. A clean filter not only boosts your furnace’s efficiency but also improves the air quality in your home. How frequently should you replace the furnace filter in your Centralia, IL home? The answer depends on several factors, such as the type of filter, the size of your home, and your specific living conditions.
The Importance of Furnace Filters
First, it’s important to understand why furnace filters matter. These filters play a vital role in trapping dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles, preventing them from entering your furnace and recirculating through your home’s air. When your filter is clean, your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, and this can save energy and reduce utility bills. However, when the filter becomes clogged, airflow is restricted, which forces the system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This added strain can lead to higher energy costs and may shorten the lifespan of your furnace. In addition to improving the performance of your furnace, changing your filter regularly also benefits the overall air quality in your Centralia, IL home. This is particularly important for people with allergies or respiratory conditions, as a clean filter helps reduce the number of pollutants and allergens in the air. Homes with pets or smokers, or those located in areas with higher levels of outdoor pollution, may experience even more pollutants in the air, making frequent filter changes even more crucial.
Filter Types and Replacement Frequency
The frequency with which you should change your furnace filter depends largely on the type of filter you use. Fiberglass filters, for instance, are inexpensive and widely used, but they need to be replaced about every 30 days due to their limited capacity to trap particles. Pleated filters, which are more efficient, generally last around 90 days before needing replacement. Some high-efficiency filters, such as HEPA filters, can last up to six months or even a year, depending on usage and household conditions. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific filter to determine how often it should be replaced.
Household Factors Affecting Filter Life
In homes with several occupants, more dust and dirt will naturally accumulate, so filters may need to be replaced more frequently. Likewise, if you have pets, their fur and dander can quickly clog your filter. Pet owners should check their filters more regularly and consider changing them more often to maintain optimal performance.
Seasonal Changes and Furnace Usage
Seasonal changes and furnace usage also play a role in how often the filter should be replaced. During peak furnace usage in the winter months, filters tend to get dirty faster and should be inspected more frequently. Even in warmer months, though, it’s a good idea to check the filter regularly, ensuring that it’s ready for when it is needed again.
General Replacement Guidelines
In general, you should inspect your furnace filter at least once a month. If it looks dirty or clogged, it’s time to replace it. While guidelines exist for how often to change different types of filters, such as every 30 days for fiberglass filters and every 90 days for pleated ones, it’s always a good idea to visually inspect your filter and replace it sooner if necessary.
Having issues changing out your furnace filter? Have any other issues with your furnace? Call Midwestern Plumbing & Heating today.
