How Often Should I Replace Filter?
February 12, 2020
Yes, lots of homeowners forget but many simply just don’t know how often they should replace their furnace filter. Common HVAC related issues are because of dirty furnace filters. Our team visits hundreds of homes per year and have seen some furnace filters. We've seen some in pretty bad shape.
This guide help clarify any confusion.
This is the difference between a new and dirty furnace filter.
Is Replacing My Furnace Filter Really Important? Yes! It is super important for two reasons.
- You're families health.
- The health of your furnace.
- Indoor air quality.
To begin, micro allergens and dust particles are invisible, small, and accumulate very quickly on your furnace filter. So quickly that you don’t even notice the build up. Even though your filter may appear clean at first glance, the reality is, if it's been in your filter slot for a while then it’s been accumulating dust and micro allergens. Polluting your health.
Your HVAC system keeps you warm on cold winter nights and cool on hot summer days. Having a clean filter allows air to pass over the heat exchangers efficiently and quietly. When your filter is caked with dust, air won’t travel freely and this restriction overworks your HVAC system. It also protects expensive electronics and keep your energy bills down. Don’t abandon your HVAC system, it will cost you much more in the long run. Find your furnace filters HERE.
This image shows a nasty metal filter with caked layer layer of dust.
Can I Wash Or Vacuum My Furnace Filter?
No! This has never been recommended by anybody. A vacuum won’t pick up allergens, mould spores, and other nasty little things that get attracted to its cotton material. A furnace filter is designed to be disposable and we’re believers in keeping a clean home using disposable filters.
When Should I Replace My Furnace Filter?
Replacing your furnace filter varies from home to home as each household is different in size, habitants, and pets. Typically a 1” filter should be replaced every 3 months, and a larger 4 or 5” every 6 months. Below are some factors which would increase the frequency of furnace filter replacement:
- Homes that have recently undergone renovations.
- Homes that are prone to pollution, smog, and outdoor construction activity.
- Homes that have a cat or dog.
- Homes that are exposed to smoke.
- Have elderly residents or children/infants in the household.
- People who suffer from allergies and asthma.
The Light Test
As a general rule of thumb to test your furnace filter condition we advise homeowners to follow the “Light Test”. The light test is great because you can clearly see how much dirt has accumulated on your filter. Hold your filter directly in front of a light and look through. If you can’t see through the filter this means your filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. If it's darkened up please replace. General guidelines for Furnace Filter replacement are as follows: 1” Filters: Change every 3 months. 4” & 5” Filters: Change every 6 months.
What Prevents People From Changing Their Furnace Filter?
Our technicians have been in hundreds of homes and have found the most common reasons why homeowners aren’t changing their furnace filters on time:
- Forgetfulness and lack of reminders.
- Not knowing the furnace has a filter.
- Don’t know how to replace it.
- Homeowners keep putting off the hassle of having to drive to the local big box store
- Subscribe to Filter Land HERE
- Not being able to find their size.
- Filters being overpriced or too expensive.
- Their furnace filter size is not common and is hard to find – Contact Us HERE
Subscribe and Save
Filterland.ca Was Founded To Make Life Easier FilterLand was created in 2015 by two technically inclined guys with the intention to make life easier and save homeowners money on furnace repairs. Furnace filters should arrive at their homes via auto delivery thus eliminating any reason to NOT have a fresh filter in your furnace all the time. FilterLand is proudly Canadian and we offer only the best for those who give us their trust.
Subscribe with FilterLand: first and best.
