Changing Furnace Filters

Do you have the standard size 16x25x1 furnace filter in your home? If you own a home in South-Western Ontario, you know that regular upkeep and maintenance are key to keeping everything running smoothly. Changing furnace filters are important, especially in the winter months. Our homes are enclosed with the same recycled air. It is critical to filter that air.

One task that is often overlooked is changing furnace filters. However, this is a crucial step in maintaining your comfort, reducing energy costs, and protecting your HVAC system.

Total Aire Care recommends changing furnace filters every three months. The purpose of the filter is to trap dust, dirt, and other airborne particles that can cause problems for your system. When the filter becomes clogged, it can restrict air flow and put unnecessary strain on your equipment. This can lead to decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and even premature failure of your system.

While it may seem like a hassle to change your furnace filter every few months, it’s a small price to pay to keep your home comfortable and your HVAC system running properly.

What Does a Furnace Filter Do?

A furnace filter’s main purpose is to protect your HVAC system. It does this by trapping dust, dirt, and other airborne particles that can clog up your system and reduce its efficiency. In some cases, a dirty furnace filter can even cause premature failure of your system.

When Should I Change My Furnace Filter?

Most experts recommend changing your furnace filter every three months. However, this may vary depending on the type of filter you have, the level of air pollution in your area, and whether anyone in your home has allergies or asthma. If you’re not sure how often to change your furnace filter, consult your owner’s manual or ask a Total Aire Care professional.

hands holding a folded air filter
A clean air filter

What Happens if I Don’t Change My Furnace Filter?

If you don’t change your furnace filter on a regular basis, the filter will become clogged with dust and dirt. This can restrict air flow and cause your system to work harder than it needs to. As a result, you may see an increase in your energy bills and your system may not heat or cool your home as effectively. In some cases, a dirty furnace filter can even cause premature failure of your system.

More Factors that Affect Frequency of Changing Furnace Filters

  1. The type of furnace you have: The type of filter you have: Disposable fiberglass or pleated paper filters need to be changed more often than reusable metal mesh filters.
  2. The level of air pollution in your area: If you live in an urban area with a lot of traffic or industrial activity, you may need to change your furnace filter more often.
  3. Whether anyone in your home has allergies or asthma: If someone in your home has allergies or asthma, they may be sensitive to airborne particles. In this case, you may need to change your furnace filter more often.
  4. Your lifestyle: If you have pets or smoke cigarettes, you may need to change your furnace filter more frequently. These activities increase the amount of dust and dirt in your home.
  5. The manufacturer’s recommendations: Always consult your owner’s manual for specific guidance on how often to change your furnace filter.

Pet dander can also affect the indoor air supply. Pet dander is a combination of skin flakes, hair, and saliva that can become airborne and cause allergies in some people. If you have pets, you may need to change your furnace filter more often to reduce the amount of pet dander in your home.

Bottom line: Changing your furnace filter on a regular basis is crucial to maintaining your comfort, reducing energy costs, and protecting your HVAC system. Most experts recommend changing your furnace filter every three months. However, this may vary depending on the type of filter you have, the level of air pollution in your area, and whether anyone in your home has allergies or asthma.

If you’re not sure how often to change your furnace filter, consult your owner’s manual or ask a Total Aire Care professional, we are a York Certified Comfort Expert.

Do you have a 4 Inch filter in your Furnace? Check out our 4 Inch Filter article.

hands holding a dirty air filter

A dirty furnace filter that needs to be replaced.

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