For most homeowners, wintertime means turning up the thermostat and having their furnace take the edge off the chill indoors. Every time your furnace runs, it filters air from outside before sending it throughout your house. Over the course of the winter, your furnace filter can get clogged with dust and debris, increasing the likelihood of unexpected furnace repair issues. Replacing your furnace filter regularly can help. Here’s what you need to know about how often to replace your filters and why new filters are so important.

How Often Furnace Filters Need to Be Changed

The exact timeframe for furnace filter replacements will vary based on how you use the system and the individual needs of your family. All homeowners should replace their furnace filter at the beginning of winter to keep the system in good condition. Throughout the winter, you’ll want to replace the filter once every three months to keep your indoor air quality fresh and clean.

However, if you have family members with allergies or upper respiratory conditions like asthma, you’ll need to inspect the filter once a month. If the filter is dirty or clogged, replace it as soon as possible. This will keep your system running cleanly and your family healthy and happy. 

Why Changing the Filter Is Important

The majority of furnace repair appointments are due to excessive wear and tear on the HVAC system itself. Your air filters play a huge role in keeping the system working properly. As the filters collect dust and debris, your HVAC system has to work harder to send air through the ductwork. This, in turn, creates more wear and tear on the unit, often leading to unexpected breakdowns.

By changing the furnace filter at least once every three months, you’ll help keep your system from needing emergency furnace repair right in the middle of winter. But that’s not all. New filters also keep your unit more efficient. The harder the system has to work to send warm air to the house, the more energy it uses. Clean filters reduce the amount of energy required to heat your house to the ideal temperature, saving you money in the long-run.

Need help replacing your air filters? Schedule an appointment with the furnace repair pros at B&B Plumbing and Heating in Oxford, OH. Their experienced team will work to get your furnace up and running quickly so you can stay toasty warm during the worst of those winter storms. Since 1985, they’ve helped residents with all of their HVAC and emergency plumbing needs, offering appointments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more about their HVAC and plumbing service online and call (513) 523-4010 to schedule an appointment.