Winter is approaching here in the St. Louis area, which means we’ll be spending a lot more time indoors in the coming months. For that reason, the heating season is one of the most important times of year to keep up with changing your furnace’s air filter. So let’s take a look at how often you should change your furnace filter to best protect your heating unit and provide clean indoor air for your home.
What type of filter do you have installed?
When you are determining how often to change your furnace filter, you need to first know what type of filter you currently have installed. Some of the most common filters are:
- Fiberglass filters. If you’re using a standard fiberglass filter, you should be changing it every month. Particles can build up quickly on these, especially during the heating season, and you can protect your furnace from damage by replacing it every month.
- 1-inch pleated filters. One-inch pleated filters typically last a bit longer than fiberglass filters. You should expect to change them every 60-90 days, but it would be a good idea to check their condition of them every month.
- 4-inch pleated filters. Because 4-inch pleated filters have more area for particles to build up, they require less frequent changes. Many of these can last between 6 months and a year before needing to be replaced. As with one-inch pleated filters, however, you should still be checking their condition of them every month or two in case particles have built up quicker than expected.
- Permanent washable filters. If you have a permanent washable filter, it’s important that you are thoroughly clean and dry it once a month.
Other variables to keep in mind
Beyond the type of filter that you have installed, there are a couple of other factors that can influence how often you should change your furnace filter. For starters, the more your furnace is running, the more often your filter will need to be changed. That usually means that the coldest months of the year will require the most frequent filter changes.
You should also keep in mind that some households produce more airborne particles than others. If you have numerous pets in your home or a smoker in your family, for example, your filter might require more frequent changes than what’s listed above.
If you have any questions about how often you should change your furnace filter, or if you’d like a heating system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, your St. Louis area heating and cooling company.
You need a clean, unclogged furnace filter to keep your heating system in top shape. And that means changing it as necessary.
“How often should I change my furnace filter?” Glad you asked that question. There really is no hard and fast rule, but there are some general guidelines. Try our recommendations and enjoy the cozy warmth of your smoothly running furnace this winter.
How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter? At Least Every 90 Days
Your furnace filter needs to be changed at least every 90 days (or cleaned, if you use a permanent filter). The filter has a dirty job – collecting airborne dust, hair, and other small particles so they don’t harm your furnace’s components.
If the filter gets too full of gunk, it ends up restricting airflow. That hurts the performance of your furnace and may even cause a breakdown. Your furnace may start leaking water too. Do you really want a furnace that blows cold air?
Check The Filter Every 30 Days
Make a habit of checking your furnace filter every 30 days. Although you definitely need to change the filter every 3 months, it might need replacement more often.
So, once a month look to see whether your air filter is grey and clogged with dust. If so, change it. Because new filters are inexpensive and can be purchased at Ottawa Home Services. Your furnace will thank you.
When You Need To Change Your Furnace Filter More Often
“How often do I need to change my furnace filter – every 90 days or every 30 days?” If you’re starting to feel confused, relax. Sometimes filters need to be changed more frequently than every 90 days (that’s why you need to check). It all depends on the conditions in your home, such as:
Dust
Whenever your indoor air is exceptionally dusty (maybe you’re doing dust-generating home renovations), your filter will clog up faster.
Pets
Sweet though they are, most pets shed fur and dander. Some of that will end up … guess where? In your furnace filter.
Allergies and Asthma
Does anyone in your household suffer from allergies or asthma? Clean fresh air is especially important for anyone with breathing difficulties. Changing your furnace filter more often will help improve the indoor air quality.
Heavy HVAC Use
During particularly cold — or hot — Ottawa weather, you’re likely to run your heating and cooling system constantly. That heavy use will tend to cause more dust and clogging in the furnace filter.
How To Change (Or Clean) The Furnace Filter
1. Always switch off your furnace first.
2. Take the filter out from the return air vent. Note the filter positioning so you can replace it easily. Typically, there are arrows on the filter that indicates how to insert it into the furnace.
3. To replace a disposable furnace filter, just pop in a new one in the same position.
4. To clean a permanent furnace filter, gently vacuum off the debris. Then wipe with a wet cloth. Dry thoroughly before putting it back into the furnace air vent.
5. Not sure whether your filter is disposable or permanent? A plastic frame indicates a permanent filter.
Another Way To Keep Your Furnace In Great Shape
Now that you’ve mastered the art of changing your furnace filter, here’s an additional way to keep your furnace in excellent shape. Have Ottawa Home Services give your furnace an annual furnace cleaning and tuneup.
Furnace maintenance is like insurance – it keeps your heating running great all winter. Bonus: it also makes your furnace more energy-efficient. You’ll stay warm while spending less money on fuel bills.
REQUEST A QUOTE FOR FURNACE MAINTENANCE TODAY!