Want to save money on heating bills this winter? Looking to cut down on allergens? Fed up with having to dust every single day? The good news is it can all be done with one simple step. The bad news is it’s so easy, you probably should have been doing it all along!
The one simple step is changing the air filter in your furnace. There are several benefits to changing your air filter regularly. Here are just a couple:
- Healthier Air
The EPA estimates that Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. Unfortunately, the air we breathe indoors is up to five times MORE polluted than the air outdoors (we were surprised by those staggering numbers, too)! This problem is increased during the winter months when people spend even more time indoors. Your furnace filter sifts the air that you breathe in your home. Filters become clogged with dust, lint, mold spores, pet dander, and/or bacteria if they are not changed regularly. A dirty furnace filter will circulate these allergens through your home and into the lungs of your family members, often resulting in excessive colds or problems for those suffering from asthma or allergies. Air filters should be changed regularly to ensure that the air in your home is as unpolluted as possible. - Money Savings
A dirty filter also restricts airflow, forcing your heating and air conditioning system to work harder. The harder your furnace works, the more strain is placed on the system and can lead to the need for repairs, or worse – replacement of your entire furnace. Additionally, a clogged filter forces your furnace to run longer in order to heat your home, increasing your home heating costs. A clean filter increases the airflow from your ducts and more evenly and efficiently heats your home. Replacing your filter regularly is an easy way to ensure longevity of your furnace and reduce home heating costs.
So, how often should you change the air filter for your furnace? Depending on your home environment, the age of your furnace, and the type of filters your unit requires, a good time to change can be anywhere from every month to every three months. There are a number of factors that affect the life of your air filter. Do you have pets? Does anyone in your home smoke? Have you been doing remodeling? If you said yes to any of the above, your air filter needs to be changed more often. All of these factors impact the amount of particles that get trapped in your air filter.
To get the best answers about when your air filter should be changed, call the experts at TJ’s Plumbing & Heating in Jamestown, NY and Erie, PA. At TJ’s Plumbing & Heating, we have HVAC specialists on call to help with all of your heating and cooling needs. From furnace maintenance and repair to installing a new HVAC system, we can help. We service both residential and commercial customers in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties, NY, Warren County, PA and Erie, PA – from Dunkirk/Fredonia to Jamestown and the Southern Tier, Warren, PA, Erie, PA and all places in between. Contact TJ’s Plumbing today.