Reasons to Change Your HVAC Air Filters in Winter

Winter is approaching in the Indiana area, meaning it’s time to get your heating system up and running. If you notice the heat is not coming out the way you want, it could be due to a clogged filter causing reduced airflow or short cycling. 

Regular air filter changes are an important part of maintaining a healthy and efficient heating system, as clogged filters can considerably affect your indoor comfort. If you’re not sure how to replace furnace filters, contact Dugan Air. One of our HVAC technicians can do it for you or show you how it’s done. 

Why Winter Is a Crucial Time To Replace Furnace Filters

Winter is when you need your heating system to work consistently and efficiently. You don’t want to have to bundle up indoors — your home should stay at a comfortable temperature so you can take off your winter jacket and relax. 

When you don’t change your furnace filter, your entire heating system is affected. It becomes less efficient because it has to work harder to heat your home. This causes unnecessary wear and tear on the furnace, which can shorten its lifespan. 

Changing the filter is part of good furnace maintenance. It’s easy enough to do yourself, but when you schedule a full maintenance call with Dugan Air, we’ll do it for you. 

Top Benefits of Changing Your Furnace Filter In Winter

Changing your furnace filter in the winter is a low-cost maintenance task you can do yourself or hire an HVAC professional to do for you. Changing your furnace filter during the winter months are can benefit your system by:

• Keeping your furnace running at peak efficiency with proper airflow
• Maintaining better air quality in your home, as clean filters can more effectively trap particulates 
• Lowering your energy bills because the furnace won’t have to work as hard to provide consistent heat
• Preventing potential future breakdowns
• Extending the furnace’s life by reducing the energy it has to put into creating heat

It’s worth the small effort to learn how to change (or clean) your furnace filter. The benefits will save you money and keep you more comfortable in the long run. 

Signs It’s Time To Change Your Furnace Filter

Some common signs it’s time to change the furnace filter include: 

• A buildup of dust or a noticeable discoloration on the filter 
• Dust settling on furniture around your home
• The system isn’t working properly (short-cycling, uneven heating, etc.)
• Vents smell like burning dust
• Airflow from the vents is weaker than usual
• It’s been more than three months since you’ve changed your filter
• You notice an unexplained Increase in energy bills

When you’re ready to change your filter, turn the furnace off to avoid accidents. Working on an appliance while it’s running can cause injury or electrical shock. Trying to change the filter while the furnace is on will cause the air pressure from the blower to dislodge dirt and particulates from the dirty filter and suck it into the HVAC system. 

How Often Should You Replace Furnace Filters In Winter?

Experts like our team at Dugan Air recommend that you change the air filter at least once every three months or more, depending on the following:

• Type of filter
• Number of pets in your household
• Number of individuals living in your home
• Level of air contamination and construction near your house

Your HVAC system stays in constant use during the winter months, so it’s a good idea to inspect the filter once per month to check for excess debris buildup. If the existing filter is coated with dust and debris, you should replace the filter even if it has not reached the end of its recommended service life.

Types of Furnace Filters To Consider for Winter

High-efficiency pleated filters last longer than a standard fiberglass filter but are also more expensive. In most cases, selecting a filter with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of 8 to 11 is best, but the filter you need also depends on your furnace size and type. 

If you’re not sure which type of furnace filter is best for your home, schedule a maintenance appointment with one of our HVAC technicians. We’ll guide you on how to care for your furnace and which filters will work best. 

What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Filter In Winter?

During winter, your HVAC system suffers wear and tear because it runs around the clock to keep you comfortable. Heat pumps use a heat exchange mechanism to cool or heat your house’s air. The air gets pulled into other spaces in your residence by the system’s fan. Air filters help stop dust and other debris from accumulating in ducts, and they safeguard the heat exchanger at the center of your heating system. 

The longer the filter remains in place, the more dust, allergens, pollen, bacteria, pet hair, and other fine particles get trapped, obstructing the filter, impeding airflow, and reducing efficiency. 

Clogged filters can cause other problems, including:

• High energy bills: A dirty filter makes it difficult for air to flow through the ducts on the way to the heat exchanger, making your system work longer and harder to get your home to the desired temperature.
• Increased health risks: Pet dander, bacteria, mold spores, and other particulates collect and get distributed around the home (especially problematic for people with allergies or respiratory conditions).
• Unexpected system failure: Your HVAC system will have to work harder and longer to circulate air through a dirty filter, creating a constant strain that could cause it to break down.

Call Dugan Air for All Your HVAC Needs

Changing the air filter during the winter will keep your household warm and safe. If your heater develops problems, turn to the HVAC experts at Dugan Air. Our NATE-certified technicians will inspect your unit, identify any problems, and perform the necessary repairs to keep your Franklin home warm and safe. 

We also offer heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and smart thermostat services in Franklin and the surrounding areas. Call us today for more information about the above services or to schedule an appointment.