If you own a furnace, you know how satisfying it can be when it kicks on and provides you with all the heat you desire. So, when something goes awry, you might begin to panic. However, there are some things that you can do to avoid a furnace malfunction. No, we don’t expect you to understand the inner-workings of your system, but we do want you to be aware of the impact that one little component has on your entire furnace system – we are talking about your air filter.
Here at GRmetro Heating & Cooling, we can’t stress enough the importance of having your air filters regularly changed by an HVAC professional. Many homeowners minimize the importance of changing their air filters, so it might only be changed during their annual maintenance visit. But air filters need to be changed every 1-3 months to keep the furnace running efficiently and effectively. Failure to do so can result in some pretty negative side effects. If you are overdue for an air filter replacement, don’t wait any longer.
What is the Purpose of an Air Filter?
Although we can’t necessarily see it, there is a lot of dirt and debris that circulates throughout our homes. This debris ultimately ends up in your furnace’s ductwork system. If it enters the furnace itself, it can cause some significant damage. The sole purpose of the air filter is to prevent dirt from entering the furnace. When air blows through the filter, the dirt is trapped.
We need to regularly change our air filter because they are unable to rid themselves of the particles that they have collected. If they become too clogged, air flow into the furnace is restricted, thus causing problems.
Side Effects of a Clogged Filter
Decreased Efficiency
When your filter is clogged, your furnace struggles to circulate air throughout your home since there is significantly more airflow resistance than is normal. This decreases efficiency.
In addition, a dirty filter might cause your system to short cycle. This is when your system turns on and off over and over again throughout the course of the day. When airflow is restricted, heat becomes trapped inside the furnace. This causes the internal temperature to rise, which activates the limit switch, so your system turns off as a safety measure. It takes a lot of energy to begin the heating cycle, so you can imagine just how much energy is wasted when it is repeatedly restarting.
Increased Repair Needs
You can expect your system will be subjected to more wear and tear when it must work harder to do its job. This eventually leads to operational problems and eventually a system breakdown. We know better than anyone that repair bills tend to cost more than the average maintenance bill. Getting your air filter replaced is much easier than dealing with a system breakdown. If you do find yourself in need of repair, GRmetro Heating & Cooling offers service repair in Grandville, MI.
Decreased Indoor Air Quality
The main role of an air filter is to protect the furnace. However, we do reap some of the health benefits. When the filter is too clogged, dirty air is forced around the furnace and released inside if your home.
There is good news though: all of this can be avoided with regular maintenance and air filter replacement. Replace your air filter every 1-3 months to preserve the overall function of your system!
