The furnace is one of the simplest parts of the home to maintain. However, it is also one of the crucial appliances most homeowners' neglect. This is especially so because people only need to use the heater during the cold months. So, if you have not been checking on your heating system all year, you should consider a tune-up before winter sets in. Here are some reasons why your heating contractor wants you to avoid dirty furnace filters.
It Forces the Furnace to Work Harder
The heater will have to put more effort into pushing air through the blocked filter and into the ducts than it would if it were clean. Note that this increased effort from the unit means it uses more power than when the filters are clean. As a result, you will have to pay higher monthly power bills. More so, this will cause other components to wear out faster, and you'll need more repair visits. Ultimately, running a furnace on dirty filters will cost more than you can manage.
You Constantly Breathe Dirty Air
Pollen, grime, and particles in the air will make their way through the dirty filter and into the home. Given this, filters that have been in place for a while may transmit allergens throughout your home. As such, it is crucial to check the filter first if you notice more sneezing and watery eyes than usual or if you see your heater running more frequently.
The Lifespan of Your Unit Diminishes
Your furnace won't hold up well with all the extra stress from clogged filters. As such, you'll have to replace it sooner than anticipated. This is because a unit with a clogged filter may sustain internal damage, reducing its useful life expectancy. Further, you might notice that you need more repairs than when the filter is clean. So, don't risk replacing an expensive heater because you forgot to change a cheap component.
The Quality of Heating Is Poor
Heating your house can be a hassle if the heater can't function properly due to clogged filters. However, this is always the case because the fans have to work harder to move the air. Ultimately, you'll end up with limited airflow resulting in hot and cold zones within the house. Also, the regulator may not heat the home to the desired level, leaving the occupants cold when they should be comfortable.
You can see that you deal with many disadvantages when using a heating system whose filters are clogged with dirt and other debris. So, you should let your heating contractor change your filters whenever needed for the efficiency and longevity of your system.
For more information, reach out to a heating contractor.
Share5 January 2023
Every summer, I agonized over energy bills that would shoot into the stratosphere as a result of my efforts to keep cool in the heat. Every time I turned the temperature down, my bills increased. This summer, I decided to take some of the control over my energy bill back. I installed reflective film on my windows that reduced the amount of light and heat coming into the house. I started serving more cold meals or asking my husband to barbecue outside, so that my air conditioner didn't have to compete with the hot stove, and I started doing laundry at night to reduce appliance heat in the house at peak times. I also had ceiling fans installed. So far, the difference in my bill has been tremendous. This blog is a way for me to explore other ways to reduce energy drain during the summer months.