Neglecting to replace or clean your air filter every 1 to 3 months will create problems. While it won’t directly damage your heater, there are absolutely consequences to not changing the air filter on this routine basis, which we’ll cover below.
We are happy to help when customers call us for heating repair in Roseville, CA. But we are happier if we can help our customers prevent a need for a repair call. Consider this your reminder to take action if you are overdue on cleaning or replacing your air filter, and read on!
Why Is an Air Filter Important to My Heating System?
The role of the air filter is to protect your furnace. Our air is naturally filled with tiny particles that could clog and damage your heating system without proper filtration. To ensure your system runs efficiently, follow these tips for boosting HVAC efficiency and prevent common air filter issues. If you can’t see through your air filter, it’s time to clean or replace it. This dust gets sucked into our furnace system through the vents on our ductwork. All this dust could really muck up the inner workings of our furnaces but the air filter stands on guard keeping it out.
The air filter traps dust and debris but the air still needs to flow through it to operate the furnace. Over time dust and debris can turn your air filter into a wall that stops air from flowing. If you can’t see through your air filter it is time to clean or replace it.
Consequences of a Dirty Air Filter
A clogged air filter requires the furnace, specifically the blower, to work harder to push air through. A hard-working furnace is an inefficient furnace. An inefficient furnace uses more power. More power use results in higher bills from your utility company.
Clogged air filters result in weak airflow throughout your ductwork. Rooms farthest from your furnace will be colder than you desire. The air does not have enough force to travel the distance. Your home becomes unevenly heated and uncomfortable for the residents of the household. If you are wearing more layers than usual then it is time to check your filter.
When rooms are unevenly heated your thermostats will trigger the furnace to correct the problem. You may notice your furnace starts to short-cycle. It may come on for shorter periods of time but more frequently. A short-cycling furnace has a heat exchanger that is working excessively to heat up the air to try to correct the lack of heat in the home. If you notice these problems, it’s worth reviewing the 3 signs your heater is struggling and acting quickly to prevent costly repairs. Your exchanger may develop a crack from all the expanding and contracting from the heating and cooling cycles. Belts and motors will incur more wear and tear, which will lead to unwanted repair costs.
Impact on System Lifespan
Consistently neglecting to replace or clean a dirty air filter can shorten the overall lifespan of your heating system. When your furnace works harder due to restricted airflow, key components such as the blower motor, heat exchanger, and belts experience excessive wear and tear. Over time, these components are more likely to fail, leading to costly repairs or even the premature replacement of the entire system. Regularly maintaining your air filter is one of the simplest ways to protect your long-term investment in your heating system.
Signs Your Air Filter Needs Immediate Attention
Beyond simply checking your filter every 1 to 3 months, certain signs can indicate that it needs immediate attention. If you notice an increase in dust accumulation around your home, unexplained spikes in your energy bills, or reduced airflow from your vents, a clogged air filter could be the culprit. Additionally, if your furnace starts making unusual noises or short-cycling, these may be further indicators that your air filter needs cleaning or replacement. Being proactive in addressing these warning signs can prevent more serious heating issues.
The air quality of your home will decrease if the air filter is clogged, as dust and debris will bypass the filter and circulate back into your living spaces. To maintain comfort and efficiency, keep your air filter clean and check it regularly. If issues persist, it might be time to consider when it’s time for an HVAC upgrade or consult a professional for repair. Contact Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc. today for expert heating repair in Roseville, CA. Look for “The Guys in the Big Red Trucks!”
If your air filter is clean and you are still experiencing problems then it is time to call in a professional!
Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc. is your trusted resource for heating repair in Roseville, CA. Contact us today, and look for “The Guys in the Big Red Trucks!”