4 Signs You Need to Change Your Furnace Filter

Your furnace filter keeps dust, pet dander, and other contaminants out of your furnace and duct system to keep the unit clean and protect the components. You know you’re supposed to change the filter to keep your furnace running properly, but how do you know when it’s time to do so? To help you keep your furnace running smoothly, our furnace repair company in Garner is sharing the four signs it’s time to change your furnace filter.

Know Your Furnace Filter

First, there’s not really a universal timeline for changing your filter as there is such a wide variety of furnace filters on the market. Typically, the manufacturer will label the filters with a recommendation on how often you should switch them out, but in general, the thinner the filter, the sooner you should change it.

• 1-2″ filters should be changed at least every three months;
• 3-4″ filters should be changed at least every six to nine months;
• 5-6″ filters should be changed at least every 9-12 months.

Those are the maximum lifespans. Lifestyle and household factors can shorten the timespan significantly. Consider these factors:

• Household size: More people bring in more contaminants and pollutants. A household of five people would change their filter more frequently than a single person living alone.
• Pets: Cats and dogs shed hair and dander which will work its way into furnace filter. One pet can reduce the lifespan of a filter by as much as a month, and additional pets reduce it even more.
• Air quality: If the quality of your air is poor, expect to change the filter more often. High pollen season, high pollution in an urban area, and similar factors can all cause your filter to get clogged more quickly.

4 Signs It’s Time to Change the Furnace Filter

If you’re not sure when the last time you changed the filter was, or you’re not sure if it’s too soon, these are clear signs it’s time to replace your furnace filter.

Poor Airflow

One of the top signs that you need to change your furnace filter is low airflow coming out of the vents. A clogged filter doesn’t allow air into the unit, so the output will be decreased, too. Changing the filter should restore your airflow levels.

Excess Dust

If you check your air filter and there’s a layer of dirt, it’s definitely time to replace the filter. However, excess dust around the vents, the intake vent, and more dust on surfaces around your home are also a sign that it’s time to change out the filter.

Increase in Allergy Symptoms

Frequent sneezing, sniffling, and coughing are all a sign that the air filter needs to be replaced. Instead of filtering out allergens, they’re able to flow more freely around your home, aggravating symptoms and worsening your air quality.

Heating Bill Rises

When your furnace filter is clogged and dirty, fresh air can’t freely flow into the unit, so it’s going to work harder to keep your home comfortable. This will reflect in higher heating bills, so if you see a spike in your energy bill, check your furnace filter to see if changing it will improve the air flow and efficiency.

Call Us for Furnace Repair and Maintenance in Garner

If you’ve changed the furnace filter and it’s not working as it should, give us a call for furnace repair. Our experienced technicians can diagnose the issue and have it running smoothly in no time. Call us today at  919-772-2759 or fill out the form below to schedule service.