How Dirty Filters Affect Furnace Performance
The filter in your furnace protects the system against contaminants, such as dust bunnies, pollen, and pet hair. Not only does a clear filter protect the equipment, but it also addresses a house’s poor indoor air quality. Many furnace performance, efficiency, and even repair problems are averted simply by not having dirty or clogged filters.
Homeowners frequently overlook the signs that a filter is getting dirty. You might notice the HVAC pushing less air. Some rooms may be more comfortable than others due to uneven temperatures. The system may turn on and off more frequently, running for shorter cycles. Also, you may notice musty smells and dust build-up, especially near the registers.
It may seem surprising that such a small and cost-effective thing can be so important to an HVAC system. Knowing when to deal with air filters, though, can save you money while also improving the comfort level of your home.
What Does an Air Filter Do?
An HVAC air filter captures debris that would otherwise get into the system. Dust and debris can foul or even damage components like the blower motor, heat exchanger, and burners. The system can technically run without a filter, but letting it operate wide-open will significantly shorten the HVAC’s lifespan.
Clear air is easier to heat and cool. Likewise, it is less likely to encourage health issues, such as:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Respiratory diseases and disorders
- Skin, eye, nose, and throat irritation
The Difference Between Basic and High-Efficiency Filters
All HVACs have at least a basic filter. This is usually a fiberglass or pleated product that captures the largest particles in the air, keeping them out of the HVAC components. These are very cost-effective.
You can also add high-efficiency air filtration. This includes HEPA filters, the types of filters that give hospitals their very clean smell. High-efficiency filters capture smaller particles, and many even capture mold spores and some kinds of bacteria and viruses.
How Dirty Filters Restrict Airflow
Every particle trapped in the filter reduces the HVAC’s airflow. As dust bunnies and debris accumulate, this restricts airflow to the HVAC. This causes the blower motor to work harder to overcome the clog. Also, furnaces may get less oxygen and burn less efficiently.
It also matters for household comfort.
Clogged furnace filters encourage:
- Uneven airflow
- Humidity buildup, especially in distant rooms
- Bigger temperature fluctuations
How Dirty Filters Affect Furnace Efficiency
Clogged and dirty air filters harm system efficiency. It takes more energy to blow air through a dirty filter. Likewise, the system has to run longer to get climate-controlled air where it needs to go. Broadly speaking, cleaner filters always run better.
If you let the filter go beyond its recommended replacement period, you will see rising energy bills. Dollar-for-dollar, the replacement price for a filter is cheaper than the operating cost for a clogged system.
Increased Wear and Tear on Furnace Components
Debris makes everything worse in a furnace. Debris accumulates on burners. Dust can also collect moisture along the heat exchanger, leading to corrosion. Not only is this an expensive fix, but it can let fumes into the living area. For want of a filter that might cost $5-20, you may end up paying a $5,000 repair bill.
Dirty Filters and Furnace Overheating
The system can also overheat if there are furnace airflow problems. Incoming air cools the system, ensuring it stays in its normal operating range. Without fresh and cool air, the system may overheat to the point that the shut-off triggers. This can lead to repeated short cycles, as the system cools and then tries again.
Overheating can lead to cracks in the system. Damage to the heat exchange, pilot light, or burners can lead to carbon monoxide getting into your home’s living areas. The more often the system overheats, the more likely the furnace will suffer damage.
Indoor Air Quality Problems Caused by Dirty Filters
Modern homes typically have a tight envelope. This means the building takes in less air from the outdoors. A tight envelope is great for efficiency, but it also means you don’t get a lot of fresh air. Dirt and debris recirculate more, leading to more allergens and respiratory irritants.
Many people spend more than 90% of their time indoors. Especially for children, the elderly, and folks with immune disorders, this means indoor air quality is critical. Therefore, regular filter replacement is essential to healthy air.
Signs Your Furnace Filter Needs to Be Changed
Reduced airflow from the vents tends to be the first sign that the air filter is clogged. You may also notice that rooms have uneven heating or cooling. Likewise, dust often accumulates more on surfaces like end tables and mantles. If the filter is especially dirty, the furnace will short-cycle. Utility bills often rise, too.
How Often Should Furnace Filters Be Changed?
Standard filters need to be replaced every three months. High-efficiency filters require replacement every 6-12 months. Some households with pets or smokers may wish to replace the air filters more often. Also, you should consider more frequent replacements if your local area experiences a lot of pollution. People with health issues ought to consider more frequent replacements, too.
Regular replacement reduces the risk of about 90% of HVAC system breakdowns and furnace problems. It improves efficiency and indoor air quality, too.
Common Furnace Filter Mistakes Homeowners Make
Waiting too long to replace the filter is the most obvious mistake. Maintain a regular schedule. Also, check the filters once a month to be sure they’re staying clean. Replace them more often if you see signs of clogging.
You also need to use the right filter type. For example, you can’t replace a standard filter with a HEPA model. This can starve the system of oxygen. Indoor air quality solutions with slots for HEPA filters can easily be retrofitted onto an existing HVAC.
Make sure the filter goes in correctly. Every filter has an arrow showing the correct direction. Also, make sure it fits snugly into the slot.
How Regular Filter Changes Support Professional Furnace Maintenance
Regular filter replacement is part of the larger furnace maintenance regimen. It complements tune-ups and reduces avoidable repairs. You can expect better performance. Likewise, a furnace that gets regular filter replacements is more likely to surpass the industry standard lifespan of 15-20 years.
When Dirty Filters Lead to Bigger Furnace Problems
A filter replacement won’t cure damage that has already occurred.
Be mindful of issues like:
- A cracked heat exchanger
- Visible dust or mold, especially near vents
- Dirty ductwork
- Noisy operation
- Short cycles
- The system not turning on
Call Lakeland One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating
At Lakeland One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, we know how often to change furnace filters and can handle the work for folks who are too uncomfortable or unable to do it. Our licensed technicians understand furnace problems and maintenance solutions, and they’re available 24/7 to deal with emergencies.
Folks in Lakeland, FL, trust One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating to provide fast and reliable service. We’re on time or you don’t pay a dime.
Contact Lakeland One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating right away if you have questions about air filtration systems or filter replacement in your home.