Changing your oil furnace filter is a critical component of preventive maintenance. The filter is located close to the fan and is responsible for keeping the system clean. When a filter isn’t changed periodically, it becomes dirty and runs less efficiently. The furnace will need to work harder to heat the house, increasing your utility bills and decreasing the unit’s life span. To ensure optimal performance and savings, learn more about replacing it below. 

How Often Should a Furnace Filter Be Changed?

A standard filter should be replaced every 30 days. The precise frequency will depend on various factors, like how many pets are in the home and whether anyone smokes indoors.

The time of year can also impact the frequency. For example, the filter may need to be changed more often when pollen counts are especially high during spring.

Furnaces with high-efficiency or pleated filters should be checked or changed every 90 days to ensure efficiency and air quality. During the winter's high-use period, inspect the filter monthly, as the increased use may cause it to clog earlier. 

How Can You Tell If Your Furnace Filter Needs to Be Changed?

Visually inspect the filter as part of your preventative maintenance routine. It should not be clogged with dust and other allergens. A brand new filter is typically white, so if yours is covered in a gray coating, change it. Other warning signs include reduced heat, diminishing air quality, and higher utility bills for no apparent reason. 

Can You Run the Furnace Without a Filter in Place?

While it’s possible to run a furnace without a filter in place, doing so is not advised since it can cause considerable damage over time. As long as unfiltered air is running through the system, contaminants can get stuck in the unit, resulting in mildew and mold. This, in turn, will slow down operations, hindering efficiency significantly.

If left unchecked, the unit could overwork itself to the point of total system failure.

Replacing your furnace’s filter is a vital aspect of preventive maintenance, but it’s also important to schedule annual inspections. If your system is due for one, turn to Rick Ogden Heating & Air Conditioning in Loveland, OH. Serving homeowners across the Tri-State area since 1982, this HVAC contractor is proud to offer a broad range of heating and cooling solutions for affordable rates. To learn more about their services, visit their website, or schedule preventive maintenance by calling (513) 683-3714.