How often should you replace your furnace filters?
- The general rule is to change a furnace filter—usually located behind a return-air vent or in a slot on the furnace itself—at least once every 90 days. ...
- Look for clues that it’s time for a new filter. ...
- Fortunately, changing the filter is easy. ...
- Replace the filter at least every time the seasons change. ...
- Furnace use impacts how long a filter lasts. ...
Are expensive furnace filters worth the money?
The problem with expensive furnace filters is that air flow gets restricted when they get dirty. As I mentioned in my blog about the importance of changing your furnace filter, reduced air flow can actually lead to premature failure of your furnace, besides costing you more in heating bills. This can also lead to service calls on your furnace.
How important is it to have a furnace filter?
- Improved energy efficiency saves you money on your monthly bill
- Additional filtration takes more particles out of the air, in turn leading to improved air quality
- A greater surface area with the ability to hold more particles results in longer times between routine filter maintenance
Is it dangerous to run your furnace without a filter?
To quickly answer the question, yes you can run your furnace without an air filter, but we very much recommend against doing so. One of the biggest reasons you shouldn’t run your furnace without an air filter is because you risk the quality of your indoor air.
How do I know if my furnace needs a filter?
5 Critical Signs That Your Furnace Filter Needs ReplacementYour Bills Creep Up. If your bills have been cranking up, dirty and clogged filters might be the culprit. ... You're Getting Sick. ... You Notice a Burning Smell. ... Less Heat, Longer Runtime. ... Your Home is Dustier than Before.
How long can a furnace be without a filter?
Yes, you can run a furnace without a filter for a short period without damage, such as an hour or less. And some may frown upon it, but if you have an older furnace, one that doesn't have an A/C evaporator coil, then you can run it safely without a filter — but I still wouldn't recommend it.
Is no air filter better than a dirty one?
Running your air conditioner without a filter is worse than running it with a dirty one. Instead, get to the store as soon as possible for a replacement or call an HVAC professional for replacement. Without a filter, your air conditioner is at risk for severe and expensive problems.
What happens if I don't use furnace filter?
If you were to use your home furnace without an air filter, all that dust and debris could get stuck in your system and cause a rather large buildup. Over time, these buildups can clog and damage your system. To protect and extend the lifetime of your system, we recommend only running your furnace with an air filter.
Can I run my furnace without a filter?
NO. A furnace filter has a critical job to perform and a filter cannot be run without one. For a furnace to work properly, it should always be equi...
Do all furnaces have filters?
Yes, all furnaces & heat pumps have filters. If your home uses another type of heating system, like a boiler which uses water to heat the home, you...
How Often to Change a Furnace Filter
You should check your furnace filter once every month, especially during the winter when your furnace is working hard to keep your home warm.
What Happens If You Don't Have a Filter in Your Furnace?
Running a furnace without a filter for an extended period can cause some serious issues. The consequences of running a furnace without a filter inc...
How Often Should Furnace Air Filters Be Changed?
Furnace air filters need to be changed on a regular basis because they become clogged with pollutants over time. Failing to change your filter will result in airflow obstructions, stressing your system and leaving your home without the desired heating and cooling.
What is a MERV 9-12 filter?
A MERV 9-12 filter will remove pet dander, auto emissions and other smaller airborne particles from the air, creating a cleaner air supply. This is a great choice for those who have mild to moderate allergies or other respiratory ailments. The MERV 9-12 filters will also extend the life of the HVAC system by keeping the unit clean and free of debris and dust build-up.
What is the best filter for a furnace?
Fiberglass or synthetic filters are a cheap and disposable option for your furnace. They catch up to 80% of particles 50 microns and larger and 25% of particles between 3 to 10 microns. Considered minimum protection, fiberglass/synthetic filters prevent dust and dirt from building up on heat exchangers, fan motors, and other surfaces. The larger particles are trapped and eliminated, so your furnace components remain clean. They allow your system to have maximum airflow but don’t filter harmful contaminants affecting your health.
What is the MERV rating of an electrostatic filter?
You can purchase disposable or washable electrostatic filters depending on the requirements of your furnace. Washable versions offer a MERV rating between 4 and 10 and last considerably longer than the average filter. Maintenance on a washable filter requires soap and water to wash the filter and letting it completely dry before reinstalling it. If you install it before it completely dries, you run the risk of mildew and mold growth.
What is furnace filter?
The furnace air filter is a critical component of any forced air HVAC system. There are different types and sizes offering different benefits for cleaner air and HVAC equipment. With regular furnace filter maintenance, your HVAC system will perform optimally – here’s what you need to know to make smart furnace filter choices for your home and system.
What is a polyester filter?
Polyester filters are made using the highest quality materials available and are median-sized. They trap and eliminate 80% to 95% of particles 5 microns or larger. A polyester filter costs fours time more than the average fiberglass/synthetic filter, but it offers more protection against pollutants that cause health issues.
What is HVAC.com?
At HVAC.com, our writers create solutions that put you in control of your HVAC system. Our product reviews and recommendations are researched and backed by real buyers and industry experts, not dictated by our partners.
Do All Furnaces Have Filters?
Yes, all furnaces & heat pumps have filters. If your home uses another type of heating system, like a boiler which uses water to heat the home, you will not have filters, but for a furnace or heat pump, a filter is a vital component. A furnace filter serves as a barrier to catch dust and debris that comes in through the return duct so it doesn’t make it to the blower fan. This protects your furnace and keeps your air cleaner since your HVAC system isn’t recirculating allergens back into the air.
Why do furnaces need filters?
A furnace filter serves as a barrier to catch dust and debris that comes in through the return duct so it doesn’t make it to the blower fan. This protects your furnace and keeps your air cleaner since your HVAC system isn’t recirculating allergens back into the air.
What happens if you run a furnace without a filter?
Running a furnace without a filter for an extended period can cause some serious issues. The consequences of running a furnace without a filter include: 1 Poor air quality: For one, not having a filter in place means there is nothing to prevent dust and debris from being sucked into your furnace and recirculated throughout your home. This ultimately leads to inferior air quality for you and your family to breathe in your home. This can exasperate any breathing issues like asthma and allergies. If you have air purifiers in your home, they will have to work harder to filter out allergens in the air. 2 Polluted duct work: Another issue is that some air pollutants will settle in the duct work. Since there is moisture present, these conditions promote mold growth to occur in your duct work. This contributes to an overall decline in air quality as well as to a more severe health hazard, particularly for those with mold allergies. 3 System failure: We’ve focused on air quality and health consequences so far, but it’s important to remember that a furnace filter’s primary function is to protect the furnace itself. If there’s no filter in place to provide that protection, the inner workings of your furnace can become coated in grime. The evaporator coils or the blower motor could easily fail due to the added stress.
Why is my furnace filter clogged?
A dirty furnace filter can cause some serious problems. Namely, it impedes air from flowing properly through your furnace, and can trigger it to shut down.
Why is it important to maintain a furnace?
A well-maintained furnace can last longer than one that is developing problems or suffering from wear and tear. A well-maintained furnace will also work more efficiently and more effectively than one that is functioning in spite of clogged filters or other problems.
Why isn't my furnace filter in place?
Poor air quality: For one, not having a filter in place means there is nothing to prevent dust and debris from being sucked into your furnace and recirculated throughout your home. This ultimately leads to inferior air quality for you and your family to breathe in your home.
Why do air purifiers work harder?
If you have air purifiers in your home, they will have to work harder to filter out allergens in the air. Polluted duct work: Another issue is that some air pollutants will settle in the duct work. Since there is moisture present, these conditions promote mold growth to occur in your duct work.
Factors to consider before buying a furnace filter
Below are the most important factors to consider when selecting an air filter for your home:
Furnace filter replacement
Regular replacement of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit’s filter is an essential part of maintenance. As a homeowner, you will want to make sure your unit runs as efficiently as possible in order to minimize your electricity costs, ensure proper functioning of your unit and increase your unit’s lifespan.
How often should you replace your furnace filter?
The average home and HVAC system will need the filter replaced once every three months.
What does a furnace filter do?
A quality filter will make sure that dust, pollen, and smoke are removed from the air, plus ensure that you and your family breathe the freshest air possible while your furnace is in use. You are now ready to install your new filter. If covered with a plastic wrapper, be sure to remove the wrapper before installation.
Why do you need to change your furnace filter?
During this time of your it is important to remember to replace or change your furnace/AC filter to make sure you continue to be prepared for the cold weather. Also commonly known as whole house air filters, you want your furnace filter to be clean in order for it to continuously provide you and your family with the freshest air possible without issue during the winter months.
Where is the furnace filter located?
It will either be located inside your furnace, or sometimes it is located inside of the air return vent. Before removing, take notice of the little arrow on the filter (before removing) which indicates the direction of the air flow. We recommend taking a non-erasable marker/pen and marking the air flow direction on the outside of your furnace to make sure you always remember the correct way to re-install future furnace filters. You can proceed to remove the existing filter.
Do heat pumps have the same filters?
In many newer homes and houses and those that are located in climates that only require moderate cooling and heating, a heat pump may be installed which is your AC/heating unit. More efficient than traditional separated AC and furnace systems, the heat pump model uses the same compressor and the same air-handler. So, in this case, the answer to this question is YES once again! Your heating and air conditioning filters are one and the same.
Do furnace filters need to be cleaned?
Also commonly known as whole house air filters, you want your furnace filter to be clean in order for it to continuously provide you and your family with the freshest air possible without issue during the winter months. I just learned my furnace has a filter.
Do you need a separate air filter for a furnace?
The answer to this question is YES if your house or home has central heat and air conditioning. It is also YES if your house or home has a separate cooling (HVAC or AC) unit and heating (furnace) unit as they both typically share the same air-handler. Since the air-handler is the exact area your air filter resides, both systems share the same filter. Air will flow through your air-handler whether you’re cooling your home in the heat of the summer or warming it during the winter months. It is important that the airflow not be constricted or impeded or strain will be placed on your furnace/AC unit, causing less efficiency and can eventually lead to damage to your unit.
Do older homes have central air conditioning?
In older homes, especially across the Northern states and sections of the US, many houses do not have a central heating and air conditioning system, rather they have individual wall-mounted AC units (or no air conditioning at all) and a separate furnace.
What Does a Furnace Filter Do?
Its primary purpose is to ensure the continuous and efficient function of your system.
What is the best filter for a furnace?
Essentially, the higher the MERV rating is, the more efficient the filter is at removing airborne particles. For a standard household, we recommend a MERV 10 filter. For homes with occupants with respiratory issues, allergies, or asthma, a MERV rating of 12 or higher is suggested. Keep in mind, you must use a MERV rating compatible with your furnace or risk making the blower’s job more difficult.
Why do furnaces need filters?
A furnace filter helps keep the blower fan from accumulating debris such as dust and other airborne particles that are pulled in by the return duct. While the primary purpose is to protect the system, filter technology can improve the air quality of your home as a secondary benefit.
Why replace HVAC filter?
Replacing your system’s filter when it needs it can improve the purity of your indoor air, extend the longevity of your HVAC system, and reduce your energy use. Proper replacement not only removes airborne pollutants and contaminants from inside your home but also keeps the ductwork of your HVAC system free from debris.
How does a forced air furnace work?
A standard forced-air furnace draws air in through its return ducts. Then , your appliance heats the air over a heat exchanger. A blower fan pushes the warm air through the ductwork that goes into the rest of your home. The furnace runs until the temperature inside your home reaches your desired thermostat setting.
Where is the furnace filter located?
The location of your furnace filter depends on the type of HVAC unit you have in your home. Generally, furnace filters can be found in the blower compartment. Check for a grill opening that draws air into it. If you are unsure where to find the filter location, refer to your furnace manufacturer’s manual or website for more information.
What is MERV rating?
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is the standard rating system developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). MERV ratings range from 1 to 20.
Can you stack air filters to make them fit?
No, you should not stack air filters to make them fit in a larger slot.
What does a higher MERV rating mean?
A higher MERV rating means that an air filter is more effective at removing smaller particles from the air.
How to tell the size of an air filter?
Most air filters have their size printed on the side of the frame. The length, width, and depth of the filter are measured in inches. For example, it will say something like “16x25x1”, where 16” is the length, 25” is the width, and 1” is the depth.
What happens if your air filter is too small?
If the filter is too small, then there will be a gap around the air filter. This allows dirty air to get around the filter. It’s almost like having no filter at all.
Why is it important to choose the right furnace filter size?
Choosing the right furnace filter size for your home is very important. It will help maintain your furnace’s efficiency and keep your home’s air clean.
What does MERV mean in air filters?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The MERV rating is intended to be used to determine the filter’s ability to remove particulates from air.
Where is the air filter located on a furnace?
The air filter on a furnace is usually located in the return air intake at the furnace. Look for where the return duct connects to your furnace, and there should be a plate that covers the slot that the air filter goes in.
