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Why You Should Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly

by forceda on September 17, 2024

Your furnace air filters perform a crucial job, particularly during the winter months. They trap and capture airborne pollutants, allowing you to rest easy.

Experts agree that you should change out a furnace or HVAC unit’s filter every one to three months, depending on the season. An even simpler rule of thumb? If the filter looks dirty, replace it. Fortunately, the furnace filter replacement process is simple, taking no longer than five minutes or so.

So why is keeping on top of your furnace filters so important? Here are six reasons why you should be vigilant when it comes to changing out air filters.

1. Furnace Filters Help Maintain Healthy Air Quality

The primary purpose of any air filter is to, filter air. Furnace and HVAC filters are especially adept at capturing and trapping airborne pollutants, such as allergens, pet dander, dust, smog, and even mold spores. If an air filter gets dirty and clogged, not only will it become completely ineffective at trapping nasty air particles, but it could worsen the overall air quality in your home. Why? The pre-existing pollutants will have nowhere to go and could eventually dislodge from the filter.

If you are particularly concerned about your home’s air quality, be sure to choose the right air filter for your furnace system. When shopping, look at the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) number, which ranges from 1 to 12. The higher the number, the better the filtration is.

2. New Furnace Filters Extend the Life of Your HVAC Unit

HVAC units and furnace systems are extremely expensive. Make sure you squeeze the most time out of your system by regularly replacing the air filter.

As a matter of fact, a dirty filter is the most common cause of heating and air conditioning system breakdowns. Air can’t pass through when dirt builds up on the filter, and the system could even overheat. Your motor will also have to work harder, leading to repairs or, even worse, needing a brand-new system.

3. Clean Air Filters Keep Energy Costs Down

Getting that energy bill every month is certainly not fun. However, you can make it less of an ordeal by replacing your furnace’s air filters according to expert recommendations.

When an air filter is clogged, your system uses more energy, driving your bill up. The average household spends about $2,800 a year on energy bills, according to The Department of Energy. By changing your furnace air filter regularly, you can save anywhere from 5 to 15% on your utility costs.

4. Replacing Furnace Filters Decreases the Likelihood of Dangerous Scenarios

Though rare, a clogged furnace filter can lead to serious consequences. Dirty filters force the motor or heating unit to work harder, which can eventually lead the entire system to overheat. Dirty filters can also cause something called short-cycling, which causes your furnace to turn off prematurely. That is no fun during the winter.

Finally, an overtaxed and clogged heating unit can start a fire. This happens when a dirty air filter is sucked back into the system, compromising airflow and starting a dangerous fire at the furnace level. This costly event will require a call Forced Aire HVAC.

5. Fresh Furnace Filters Can Increase Temperature Regulation

The primary reason you have a furnace is to keep your home nice and toasty during the winter. A dirty and clogged filter can prevent the heating system from working at maximum efficiency. A used filter creates strain on the whole system, so less heat travels throughout your home.

6. Eliminate Stagnant Air by Changing Your Furnace Filter

If air isn’t constantly moving, it will stagnate, allowing odor-causing particles, dust, moisture, and more to fall onto surfaces. A furnace sends warm air through your ducts at regular intervals, which helps increase the overall airflow.

If the furnace’s filter becomes clogged, less air circulates, and you could find your surfaces to be dirtier than normal. If your home is prone to moisture, stagnate air can encourage mold and mildew growth, even during the winter months.

Signs You Need to Change Your Furnace Filter

Every furnace manufacturer has its own recommendation for when to change the furnace filter, so you can start by checking the packaging to find out how you can replace it and when it’s recommended you change it. But you can also look for other signs, especially if you no longer have the manufacturer’s information. Signs your furnace filter needs changing include:

  • The filter becomes discolored, such as dingy yellow or gray color.
  • You physically see the buildup of dirt and dust.
  • You’re dusting in your home more often.
  • Your HVAC cycles run longer than normal, or you experience other common furnace problems.
  • You can’t recall the last time the filter was replaced.

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Our suggested Spring HVAC Maintenance Check

by forceda on March 23, 2024

Springtime is the perfect time for homeowners to get their HVAC heating and cooling systems in shape. For many, it might have been months since you’ve given your cooling system a thought – but with the nice weather comes persistent sunshine and rising temperatures that will eventually bring on summer heat. Fortunately, by taking simple HVAC spring maintenance steps now, you can keep your unit running all year long — with much less stress!

Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring & Summer

Summer is Just Around the Corner – Are You Ready?

Let’s dive into essential AC maintenance tasks you can complete to get the most out of your home’s HVAC system this season. From changing air filters to inspecting ductwork and checking refrigerant levels, you can take several proactive measures, so you don’t end up sidelined by costly repairs down the road.

Replace Air Filters

AC filters are one essential component of your unit that needs frequent attention. They tend to get clogged and dirty easily and directly impact the performance and effectiveness of your air conditioner. If not cleaned promptly, a dirty filter can cause restricted airflow, energy wastage, and damage to your unit. We recommend that you change your filters 4 times a year and monthly if you have pets or are taking on a construction project that causes excess dust in your home.

 

Remove Unit Covers

Clean Around AC Unit

If you had covers on, this step would become a whole lot easier. However, if your unit was uncovered, there may be debris and dirt buildup that will need clearing up. In addition, birds often like to make their nests in the units, especially when unused. Inspect carefully to identify any source of concern. Start by cleaning any leaves gathered around and on the top of your air conditioner’s grill. Follow up by trimming nearby bushes and shrubs while ensuring there is at least two feet of cleared land around the unit for proper functioning.

Check Air Conditioner Refrigerant Lines

When checking these lines, look for any signs of damage, such as leaks or cracks in the pipes. They can cause refrigerant leakage, leading to a decrease in cooling efficiency. If you notice any damage to the refrigerant lines, it’s important to have them repaired or replaced by a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible.

Testing your Thermostat

Testing, calibrating, and leveling your thermostat is important to ensure perfect home temperature. Here are a few things you need to monitor:

  • Check for loose connections: Look for any loose wires or connections inside the thermostat. Tighten any loose connections using a screwdriver.
  • Test the temperature sensor: Using a thermometer, check the temperature reading on your thermostat. If the reading is off by a few degrees, you may need to recalibrate the thermostat.
  • Level the thermostat: Use a level to ensure that your thermostat is level. If it is not level, adjust the mounting bracket until it is.

 

Clearing the Drainage Hole

This is an integral part of the HVAC summer maintenance routine. The drainage hole or condensate drain is responsible for removing excess moisture. If this drainage hole becomes clogged, you might encounter various issues like water leaking from inside the unit and other types of water damage.

When cleaning out the drainage hole, turn off your HVAC unit. It should be located near the base of the indoor unit. Sometimes it is visible as a small hole, while it can be covered at other times. You can use a pipe cleaner or a small brush to remove any buildup. Remember to always use a gentle hand and avoid pressure to prevent damage.

Cleaning the Vents

Cleaning the vents is an important part of HVAC spring maintenance as it helps to ensure proper airflow and efficiency. Over time, the vents of an AC can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris, reducing the air quality in your home. By cleaning the vents, you can remove these contaminants and improve indoor air quality.

Schedule HVAC Spring Maintenance Appointment

Spring is considered the best time to call an HVAC technician for maintenance because it is the season right before the peak summer months; here is why:

  • Prepare for summer: The summer months can be tough on HVAC systems, as they often work overtime to keep homes cool. By scheduling maintenance in the spring, you can identify and address any potential issues before the high demand of summer arrives.
  • Cost-effective: Calling a technician during peak time means paying more to solve your AC-related problems. HVAC spring maintenance will save you a few coins and prepare you ahead of time.
  • Availability of technicians: HVAC technicians are often busiest during the peak summer months, so scheduling a maintenance appointment may be more difficult. By calling in the spring, you may have options for scheduling and can avoid potential wait times or delays.

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1. Furnace Filters Help Maintain Healthy Air Quality The primary purpose of any air filter is to filter air. Furnace and HVAC filters are especially made to capture and trap airborne pollutants, such as allergens, pet dander, dust, smog, and even mold spores. If an air filter gets dirty and clogged, not only will it […]

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