Change Your Furnace Filter
July 17, 2025
This is a TL;DR of how to Change Your Furnace Filter
- Regularly changing your furnace filter helps maintain proper airflow, prevents system malfunctions, and improves energy efficiency.
- Change filters every 3 months, or more frequently based on fan usage, weather, and household factors like pets or dust.
- Signs of a clogged filter include reduced airflow, higher energy bills, dust buildup, and noisy furnace operation.
- Neglecting filter changes can lead to increased energy use, system damage, and a shorter furnace lifespan.
- Choose a filter like MERV 8 for balanced airflow and efficiency, and remember to replace it yourself with proper installation steps.
Regularly changing your furnace filter is a simple yet critical step in maintaining your heating system and keeping your home comfortable. At Willowbrook Plumbing & Heating, we often emphasize the importance of this task to prevent costly breakdowns, improve air quality, and keep your energy bills in check.
Why Is It Important to Change Your Furnace Filter?
Your furnace filter plays a key role in ensuring proper airflow and keeping dust, dirt, and debris from clogging the internal components of your heating system. When the filter becomes dirty, airflow is restricted, which forces your furnace to work harder, increasing the risk of furnace malfunctions.
If left unchanged, a clogged filter can trigger safety mechanisms in your furnace, causing it to shut down. Worse, it may result in permanent damage to parts such as the heat exchanger, which is costly to replace.
How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?
Typically, most homeowners should change their furnace filters every three months. However, the ideal frequency can vary based on the following factors:
- Fan usage: If your furnace fan runs continuously to circulate air, you’ll need to change the filter monthly.
- Seasonal conditions: During very cold weather, your system may work overtime, and filters may need replacement more frequently.
- Home environment: Homes with pets or high amounts of dust will require more frequent filter changes.
Our advice? Check your filter every month and replace it if it looks dirty or clogged.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Furnace Filter
It’s important to recognize when your furnace filter is reaching the end of its life. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Reduced airflow or uneven heating in your home.
- A rise in your energy bills, indicating that your system is working harder than it should.
- Dust buildup around vents and on surfaces in your home.
- Noisy or irregular operation of your furnace.
How Neglecting Filter Changes Affects Your Furnace
Failing to change your furnace filter regularly can have serious consequences on your heating system, including:
- Reduced system efficiency: When airflow is restricted, your furnace needs to work harder, which increases energy usage.
- System damage: Overheated components can result from blocked airflow, causing breakdowns or expensive repairs.
- Shortened lifespan: Regular maintenance, including filter replacement, helps extend the life of your furnace.
Which Type of Furnace Filter Is Best?
When choosing a furnace filter, there are different options, including:
- Fiberglass filters: Affordable but less effective at removing smaller particles.
- Pleated filters: Better at trapping allergens and dust but can restrict airflow if they have a high MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating.
- HEPA filters: Highly effective at improving air quality but may require a specially designed system to work properly.
At Willowbrook Plumbing & Heating, we often recommend sticking with basic filters, such as MERV 8 or lower, which balance effective filtering with proper airflow. Overly dense filters can cause airflow issues and make your system work harder than necessary.
Can You Change Your Furnace Filter Yourself?
Yes, changing your furnace filter is a task most homeowners can easily handle. Here’s how:
- Turn off your furnace: Always turn off the power to the furnace before replacing the filter.
- Locate the filter: The filter is typically found near the blower compartment or in the return air duct.
- Follow the arrow: Furnace filters have an arrow indicating airflow direction. The arrow should point toward the furnace.
- Slide in the new filter: Replace the old filter with a new one of the correct size and type.
We often see homeowners install filters backward, which can cause issues, so double-check that you’ve followed the arrow correctly.
Can Changing the Filter Improve Air Quality?
While changing the filter does help capture dust and allergens, its primary role is to protect your furnace. For significant air quality improvements, consider supplemental air purification solutions. But regular filter changes remain essential to keep your furnace operating efficiently and prevent breakdowns.
Contact an Experienced Furnace Repair Company Near You
While changing your furnace filter is a task you can handle on your own, there may be times when you require professional assistance. If your furnace has experienced repeated shutdowns or abnormal behavior, it’s best to call a technician for an inspection.
At Willowbrook Plumbing & Heating, we understand that maintaining your home’s heating system is essential for comfort and safety. By changing your furnace filter regularly, you’re taking a simple but vital step in keeping your furnace running smoothly and efficiently.
If you need more advice or help with your furnace, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We're always here to help you keep your system in peak condition.
