How Useful is a Furnace Filter Actually?

When was the last time you checked your furnace? Just like your other home appliances, regular maintenance and replacement are needed for your furnace filter to work its magic. Part of keeping your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in check is making sure that your furnace filter is clean. Furnace filters are designed to remove dirt, dust, hair, and other particles that your HVAC system pulls in. In turn, this improves the quality of air inside your home and extends the life of your furnace. If you want to learn more about the many benefits of a furnace filter, check out our post below.

Lowers Your Electricity Bill

One of the major benefits of furnace filters is that it reduces energy consumption by improving your HVAC unit’s energy efficiency. Gunk and other dirt particles clog your furnace filter. When it gets clogged, it reduces your HVAC unit’s performance and requires your unit to use more energy. On the other hand, if you have a clean and good quality furnace filter, studies have found that it may reduce 15% of your energy consumption. It is estimated that you get to save about 7.5% of your utility bill each month if you regularly clean or replace your furnace filter.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

You can improve your indoor air quality by integrating functional furnace filters. As compared to air purifiers, you do not have to purchase another device to clean the air inside your home, as furnace filters are placed between your air return duct and the furnace or air conditioner. You can learn more about the advantages of filters vs purifiers and how they work, but in general, they have the same purpose of making sure the air you breathe is safe and allergen-free. You spend 90% of your time indoors, so it is important to ensure that the air quality inside your home is clean and safe. This is especially important if you or anyone in your family has asthma or dust allergies.

Increase Your Level of Comfort at Home

Have you ever noticed that no matter how hard you try to keep your living space clean, it may still be prone to dust or have a weird smell? This is a bit off-putting, especially if you have guests over. Who would want to stay in a room that smells like mold or tobacco in the first place? Furnace filters are built to keep debris and other dust particles from entering your HVAC system so this means other forms of pollutants will not enter the confines of your home. Furnace filters can take out the smell of tobacco smoke, pet dander, pollen, dust mites, soil, mold, ash, mildew, and many more. If you want your home to be as comfortable as possible, then furnace filters are your best friend.

Healthy Environment

Apart from keeping your home comfortable, furnace filters protect your health and your family’s as well. Because furnace filters reduce dust and odors inside your home, you are assured that you will be protected from diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. You have better chances of avoiding diseases from spreading inside your home if you have a clean and working furnace filter installed.

Fewer Repairs and Replacement

As mentioned earlier, your furnace filter affects the efficiency of your furnace. If your furnace filter is clogged up, it will damage the insides of your unit. The fan blade, coil, ductwork, vents, and the motor will get affected if you have a dirty furnace filter. Your furnace filter may cause your unit to overheat and malfunction. If you keep the furnace filter in check, on the other hand, you will save yourself from costly repairs and parts replacement.

Extends the Life of Your HVAC System

HVAC units and installation can be pretty costly. So, if you want to make the best out of your investment, you have to find ways to extend the longevity of your HVAC system. Having a clean furnace filter is one of the keys to keeping your HVAC system well-functioning. One of the reasons why most HVAC system malfunctions are dirty furnace filters. Dirt build-up on your furnace filter slows down your unit and causes its demise in the long run.

Furnace filters are a must-have in any home as they save you money in the long run by extending the life of your furnace and improving its energy efficiency. They also help keep your home safe, clean, and comfortable. To ensure your peace of mind, always keep your furnace filter in check.