October 2014

As we get closer to winter and temperatures begin to drop, making sure that the furnace is working properly is on the priority list of every homeowner. It’s reassuring to know that when you need to turn up the heat for the first time this season, the furnace is ready to answer your call to action.

Most homeowners understand how important it is to have annual cleaning and maintenance done on their furnace before the winter sets in. But did you know that changing your furnace filters every three months may be required for proper operation of your heating system?

How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter?

The number of times you need to change your filter depends upon the individual living circumstances in your home. Pets, smoking, wood-burning appliances and fireplaces all emit toxic substances that build up and clog your filters.

Furnace filters provide a barrier between substances in the air that cause poor air quality and can cause your furnace to operate inefficiently. If you change the filters on a regular basis, your furnace won’t need to work as hard. Over the long term, you’ll save money on fuel and potential costly repairs as well as maintaining better quality of air throughout your home.

Types of Filters

Washable Filters: Thoroughly clean and dry every month.
Fiberglass Filters: Change monthly or as often as needed depending upon how quickly they get clogged.

How Do I Know When to Change My Furnace Filter?

It’s easy but crucial to stay on top of changing your filters to keep your furnace running well. Initially, check your filters every few weeks to determine how quickly contaminants and debris are building up on your filters, and then set a regular schedule.

If the living circumstances change in your household, such as adding a new family member, adding a new pet or increasing the number of pets, or if someone in your home develops allergies (or those allergies worsen), you’ll need to check the condition of your furnace filter more often. Clean or replace the filters as needed so that you, your family and your furnace will stay healthy all winter long.