One of the best ways to maintain indoor air quality in your home is to change the furnace air filter as needed or according to manufacturer specifications. But, how do you know when to change furnace filters? What are the signs of a dirty air filter? How Often Should AC Filters Be Changed?
AC and furnace filters trap harmful air particles that otherwise contaminate the air and clog your heating and cooling system. Over time, the air particles build up, rendering your air filter ineffective. Buildup restricts airflow and causes wear and tear on the furnace.
So, you’ll need to change the air filter regularly to reduce particle buildup and allow proper airflow through the HVAC system. Below, we discuss signs of a clogged furnace filter and provide tips on changing the filter in your heating system.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dirty Furnace Filter?
If you have a traditional HVAC system, the air conditioner and furnace use the same filter. You can find the filter in the air handler, which is near the furnace. The quickest way to determine if the furnace filter is dirty is to open the air handler and inspect the filter for dust and dirt buildup. However, there are other symptoms of a dirty furnace filter, such as:
- Reduced airflow from the vents
- Increased dust accumulation in your home
- Higher energy bills due to decreased system efficiency
- Uneven heating or cooling in different rooms
- More frequent allergy symptoms or respiratory issues
- Unusual odors coming from your HVAC system
What Does a Dirty Furnace Filter Look Like?
A dirty furnace filter is discolored. It’s gray or brown instead of its original white or light color. You’ll notice a thick layer of dust, dirt, and debris covering the filter’s surface. The filter may look clogged or matted, with visible clumps of dust and hair.
You might see dark streaks or spots on the filter, which is a sign of heavy buildup. The filter’s pleats or fibers may appear flattened or compressed. However, it’s due to accumulated debris that has built up in the pleats. In the most severe cases, you may spot mold growth or detect a musty odor.
Can a Dirty Furnace Filter Make You Sick?
A dirty furnace filter can indeed make you sick by circulating pollutants throughout your home. You may experience respiratory issues like asthma attacks, allergies, or bronchitis due to poor air quality. Dust mites, mold spores, and bacteria can thrive in dirty filters, potentially causing skin irritations or infections.
According to the EPA, indoor air pollution can lead to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. The American Lung Association warns that prolonged exposure to contaminated air may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Children, elderly, and those with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to these effects. Regular filter changes can significantly improve your indoor air quality and overall health.
How Often Do You Change Furnace Filters?
You should change your furnace filter every 30 to 90 days, depending on various factors such as:
- MERV rating of the filter (higher-rated filters may last longer)
- Smokers in the home
- Local air quality and pollution levels
- Allergies or respiratory issues
- The size of your home and family
Check your filter monthly and replace it if it looks dirty. If you have pets or allergies, change to a clean filter more frequently. Consider your home’s air quality and how much you use your furnace when determining the replacement schedule. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific filter type.
Let’s take a closer look at some specific examples of conditions that impact how often you need to change your furnace filter:
Changing Your Furnace Filter in the Winter
How Often Do You Change the Furnace Filter in Winter? Change your furnace filter every 30 to 60 days during winter. Winter brings more indoor activities, which stir up more dust and increase pet dander. Changing the filter more frequently improves indoor air quality, which is better for your allergies.
If you use a fireplace or wood stove, the smoke particles will collect quickly in the filter. You may need to change it monthly to keep the air smoke-free.
How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter If You Have Pets?
If you have pets, change your furnace filter every 30 to 60 days. Check your filter monthly and replace it sooner if it looks dirty.
Consider the number of pets and their shedding habits when determining your replacement schedule. Long-haired pets or multiple animals may require more frequent filter changes.
How Often Do You Change a 16x25x1 Furnace Filter?
Change your 16x25x1 furnace filter every 30 to 90 days. When deciding how often to change the filter, consider your home’s air quality, pets in the house, health conditions, and how often you’ll use the furnace.
Thinner filters like 16x25x1 may need more frequent changes than thicker ones. So, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific filter type and furnace.
What Happens If the Furnace Filter Is Not Changed?
Changing the air filter is key to keeping your furnace running smoothly winter after winter. It’s also super easy and affordable. Not changing the filter has bad consequences that affect your health, your furnace, and your pocketbook:
| Poor air quality | Dirty filters can’t trap pollutants effectively, allowing them to circulate in your home. This can lead to increased dust, allergens, and other contaminants in the air you breathe. |
| Poor efficiency | A clogged filter forces your HVAC system to work harder to push air through. This results in higher energy consumption and increased utility bills. |
| Uneven heating | Restricted airflow causes some rooms to get less warm air than others. You may notice imbalanced temperatures throughout your home. |
| Furnace wear | The extra effort required to push air through a dirty filter can strain the furnace. Premature wear and tear leads to expensive breakdowns. |
| Frozen evaporator coil | Reduced airflow causes the evaporator coil to freeze. Dripping water can cause damage to the furnace when the ice melts. |
| Allergies and respiratory issues | Your allergies get worse as allergens circulate in your home. Dirty air can trigger asthma attacks. |
| Short cycling | A dirty filter can cause your system to turn on and off more frequently than necessary. Short cycling wastes energy and puts additional stress on the furnace. |
| Shorter lifespan | The cumulative effects of strain and inefficiency can shorten your furnace’s lifespan. You have to replace it sooner than expected. |
Can I Change My Furnace Filter Myself?
You need to leave most furnace repair and maintenance jobs to certified HVAC technicians. However, changing the filter is something you can do yourself. In most cases, you can change the furnace filter in less than five minutes.
Follow these quick guidelines below for the best results:
What are the Tools and Materials Needed?
You need minimal tools to change a furnace air filter. Gather a flashlight to inspect the filter compartment clearly. Keep a screwdriver handy in case you need to remove a cover panel. Use work gloves to protect your hands from dust and debris. Have a trash bag ready to dispose of the old filter. That’s it!
How to Change the Air Filter: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing the air filter is simple. Just follow these furnace filter replacement steps:
- Turn off the furnace at the thermostat.
- Locate and open the filter compartment door.
- Remove the old filter, noting its orientation.
- Clean any dust from the filter housing.
- Check the new filter size is correct.
- Insert new filter, following airflow direction arrows.
- Close the compartment and turn the furnace back on.
What are the Safety Precautions When Changing the Furnace Filter
It’s important to practice safe measures when replacing the furnace filter. Turn off your furnace before changing the filter to avoid injury. You may want to wear gloves to protect your hands from dust and sharp edges. Use a flashlight to inspect the filter area for any hazards. If you notice potential safety issues, contact your local HVAC company.
Avoid touching electrical wiring or parts inside the furnace. Also, make sure the new filter is installed in the correct direction according to the arrows. Clean up any dust or debris after changing the filter. Wash your hands thoroughly after completing the task. Your job is done!
What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Your Furnace Filter
Mistakes can cost you money or put your health or life at risk when replacing your furnace filter. Here are some ways to avoid disaster.
Don’t install the wrong size filter for your furnace. Don’t use a filter with a higher MERV rating than necessary. It can restrict airflow and damage your furnace. Never install the filter in the wrong direction; look for the airflow arrow. Push the new filter in completely and secure the cover. Don’t forget to replace your filter regularly, typically every 1-3 months.
Order Your Furnace Filters Online From Discount Filters
Discount Filters offers a wide selection of AC and furnace filters for any heating and cooling system in your home. Our high-quality, durable filters are designed to help you maintain a clean, healthy home environment all year long. Order your furnace filters online and have them shipped straight to your doorstep. Got questions? Contact one of our filter experts via live chat or call our toll-free number.