Freezing temperatures will be hitting the Dayton area soon enough, which means your furnace will be working hard to keep your home comfortable. Before you start running the heat, it’s important to check the furnace filter to see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Benefits of a Clean Filter
The filter in your furnace catches dirt, dust, and other particles that stick to its surface, especially in winter when you have the heat running frequently. Letting these particles build up on the filter can cause a number of problems. By cleaning or changing the filter, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Cleaner air: A filter that’s covered in dirt and dust lowers your indoor air quality considerably, which can trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks. Having a clean filter makes the air inside your home healthier to breathe.
- Lower energy bills: Your furnace can’t run efficiently when the filter is clogged with dirt, which leads to higher energy bills. A clean filter makes your furnace more efficient, so it won’t have to run as much to heat your home.
- Longer lifespan for your furnace: A dirty filter can cause your furnace to overheat and eventually break down. You can extend the lifespan of your furnace by making sure it runs with a clean filter as much as possible.
Cleaning or Changing Furnace Filters
You should be checking your furnace filter every month during winter and every few months the rest of the year. If you have a reusable furnace filter, clean or wash it off to keep the surface free of dirt and dust. If your filter isn’t reusable, you’ll need to replace it when it’s dirty. When choosing a new filter, keep in mind that high-efficiency filters and polyester or pleated filters are able to trap a greater number of particles and prevent them from spreading throughout your home.
If you need maintenance done on your furnace before colder weather sets in, contact Ace Hardware Home Services. We’ve been providing reliable HVAC services to homeowners in and around Dayton since 1978.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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