As a homeowner in Calgary, you rely heavily on your furnace to keep your home warm and comfortable during the chilly winter months. One crucial aspect of furnace maintenance that often gets overlooked is changing the furnace filter. Furnace filters play a vital role in maintaining indoor air quality and ensuring the efficient operation of your HVAC system.
In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of furnace filters, how often to change furnace filters, the factors that impact the frequency of changes, and the signs that indicate it’s time for furnace filter replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Furnace filter replacement should be done regularly for better air quality and efficient HVAC operation.
- The recommended replacement frequency for 1-2 inch filters is every 1 to 3 months, while for 3-4 inch filters, it is every 6 to 9 months.
- Pets, renovations, location, filter brand, and allergies affect filter change frequency.
- Signs that it’s time to replace the furnace filters include increased dust, decreased airflow, higher energy costs, and unusual noises.
- GSB Heating & Cooling offers thorough inspections, filter replacements, cleaning, tune-ups, and expert advice.
Understanding Furnace Filters and Their Importance
What is the purpose of having furnace filters in your home? Get rid of dust, dirt, and grime particles from the air before they circulate in your home. The air in your home is properly filtered by the furnace filters to maintain a healthy environment inside it. So, it can be said that maintaining the indoor air quality and protecting the HVAC system from potential damage is the primary purpose of installing furnace filters.
In the bitterly cold climate of Calgary, it is important to install an efficient furnace to keep your home warm. If you have clogged filters, it can restrict airflow and consume more energy. Regular furnace filter maintenance keeps it functioning efficiently and reduces energy costs. It also prevents costly repairs and extends the longevity of your HVAC system.
How Often Can Furnace Filters Be Changed in Calgary?
The answer to how often to change the furnace filter depends on many things. Generally, furnace filter replacement should be done once every 3 months. Some filters are designed in a manner to change it once every month, while others can work well even for 6 months. Here is the detailed explanation –
Filter Types and Replacement Frequency
- 1-2 Inch Filters – These are the most common residential furnace filters. They should be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on usage and air quality.
- 3-4 Inch Filters – These thicker filters have a larger surface area and can capture more particles. They typically last longer and should be replaced every 6-9 months.
The next section will give you more insights into the factors that impact the frequency of furnace filter change.
Factors That Impact Furnace Filter Change Frequency
Several key factors influence how often Calgary residents should change their furnace filters –
– Pets
Who doesn’t love pets? But caring for them comes with a cost. The extra hair that a pet sheds has to go somewhere. The dandruff and hair they shed, when not vacuumed up, cycle back through the furnace filter, which ends up making the furnace dirtier. So, you need to keep a monthly checkup on the furnace filter to prevent it from clogging.
– Renovation
Home renovations come under yet another significant reason that clogs up the furnace filter. These renovations include painting, drywalling, or something that has to do anything with cutting wood as it contributes to an excess amount of sawdust and particles floating around.
– Location
Furnace filter replacement also depends on the location. In a newly built home, your filters may get dirtier quicker. This is actually a good thing, which implies that you are not breathing in the bad air or allergens. And must check your filters at regular intervals.
– Filter brand
Typically, furnace filters are made of fiberglass and plastic, having a white or pale pleated surface when new. High-quality furnace brands have a longer life than inferior-quality filters that need to be changed more frequently.
– Allergies
Individuals having asthma or allergies are more sensitive to dust. If you haven’t paid attention to the maintenance of the furnace filters for a while, the dust and debris in it may affect your breathing or the breathing of your family members. In addition to vacuuming and regular dusting, ensure you have fresh filters to keep the air inside your home clean and fresh.
Signs It’s Time to Change Your Furnace Filter
When should you replace your air filters at home? Here are some signs indicating the same –
- If you are noticing increased dust accumulation on your furniture items and surfaces, it is an indication that your furnace filter is no longer effective in capturing airborne particles. And it is time to pay attention to furniture filter replacement.
- A clogged filter restricts airflow. This results in reduced air circulation and uneven heating in the home.
- Getting higher energy bills without any clear reason? The filter could be the culprit.
- Clogged furniture filters tend to make unusual noises, indicating that the system is struggling to operate efficiently.
Professional Furnace Maintenance in Calgary
Hiring expert furnace filter maintenance services is essential to keep your system running efficiently. Here is how GSB Heating & Cooling provides expert furnace maintenance services –
- Thorough Inspections – Our technicians perform thorough inspections of your furnace, checking for any signs of wear and tear, leaks, or potential issues that could affect performance.
- Filter Replacement – We offer regular filter replacement services in Calgary to ensure that your furnace operates efficiently and maintains good indoor air quality.
- Cleaning and Tune-Ups – Our maintenance services include cleaning the furnace components and performing necessary tune-ups to enhance system performance and energy efficiency.
- Expert Advice –Our experienced technicians provide expert advice on maintaining your furnace and optimizing its performance, including recommendations on the best filter types for your specific needs.
Conclusion
Regularly changing your furnace filter is essential for maintaining efficient operation, improving indoor air quality, and extending the lifespan of your HVAC system. For professional furnace filter maintenance services in Calgary, including regular filter changes and comprehensive inspections, contact GSB Heating & Cooling. Our team of experts is dedicated to keeping your home comfortable and your furnace in top condition. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance appointment and ensure the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I change my furnace filter in Calgary?
Change your furnace filter every 1-3 months for 1-2 inch filters and every 6-9 months for 3-4 inch filters, depending on usage and air quality.
2. What happens if I don’t change my furnace filter?
A dirty filter can restrict airflow, reduce furnace efficiency, increase energy costs, and lead to potential system damage.
3. Can a dirty furnace filter cause heating issues?
Yes, a clogged filter can cause reduced airflow, uneven heating, and higher energy consumption, making the furnace work harder.
4. Are there specific filters recommended for Calgary’s climate?
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and pleated filters are recommended to handle Calgary’s cold climate and varying air quality.
5. Can I clean and reuse my furnace filter?
Most disposable furnace filters should not be cleaned and reused. It’s best to replace them as recommended by the manufacturer.
6. How often should I change my furnace filter 16x25x1?
A 16x25x1 inch filter should typically be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on factors like household size, pets, and air quality.
7. When is the best time to change the furnace filter in Calgary?
It’s ideal to check and replace your furnace filter at the start of the heating season (fall) and again in the middle of winter for optimal performance.