Anytime you want to know more about furnace maintenance, the number one tip that any HVAC professional will provide is “change the air filter regularly.” Although for most homes, “regularly” means every 90 days, some filters may require replacing more frequently.
SM Mechanical Services LLC is the top source for trusted furnace maintenance in Glastonbury, CT, and homeowners often tell us that they notice their furnace filter getting dirty fast and want to know if they should be installing new filters more often. Finding the ideal interval may require some trial and error, but if you notice any of the following signs, you definitely need to change the furnace filter more often.
Factors That Determine Furnace Filter Change Schedules for Glastonbury, CT
The furnace air filter is a critical component of your home’s heating and cooling system. The filter traps dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris from landing on the blower fan and damaging it.
As the filter catches contaminants, it can get dirty and clogged. Eventually, this accumulation creates an airflow restriction, which forces the furnace to work harder to move air. This puts excessive wear and tear on the mechanical parts inside the unit and can eventually lead to a breakdown, as well as increase the cost of heating your home.
The furnace air filter also helps preserve indoor air quality. It removes pollutants before they get into the furnace and blows out the vents into your home so your family doesn’t breathe them in. If the filter is too clogged to do its job, air quality will decline, and you may notice more allergy and respiratory symptoms.
In many homes, changing the filter every 90 days is enough to ensure optimal furnace performance and filter efficiency in your Glastonbury, Connecticut, home. However, some variables can shorten that interval and lead to the furnace filter getting dirty fast. These include:
- The filter thickness: Some furnaces can accommodate filters up to 5 inches thick, which may last for up to a year
- Smokers and pets: Having smokers or pets in your home can create more contaminants that clog the filter faster
- Health concerns: Some people with respiratory conditions like asthma may benefit from more frequent changes
- Family size: More people equals more filter replacements
- How much you use the furnace: During a cold Glastonbury winter, you likely run the heat constantly, which can lead to the furnace filter getting dirty fast.
- The manufacturer’s recommendations: Some furnace makers offer longer- or shorter-lasting filters
Do You Need To Change the Furnace Filter More Frequently Than You Already Do?
Following the standard recommendation to change the furnace filter every 90 days may be fine for your Glastonbury home, and you don’t need to change a thing.
However, you might need to adjust the filter maintenance frequency if you notice any of the following issues in your home.
The Filter Is Excessively Dirty
It’s normal for the old furnace filter to look dirty when you take it out. However, if there’s a noticeable buildup of debris on the filter or it’s discolored, then it was in the furnace for too long. You can also tell that you need to change the filter more frequently if there’s a buildup of dust around the filter slot or a noticeable release of pressure when you pull it out.
The Furnace Runs Longer Than Usual
New England winters can be brutal, and it’s not unusual to run the furnace all the time in Glastonbury, Connecticut. However, if it seems like the furnace is running longer than normal to achieve the desired temperature, or there isn’t as much warm air coming from the vents, the problem could be the filter. A dirty filter forces the furnace to work harder, so keeping up with maintenance helps it remain efficient.
There’s a Noticeable Change to the Indoor Air Quality
Furnace filters help keep the air inside your home clean and fresh, so if you notice an increase in odors or more frequent allergy and respiratory symptoms, a new filter might help. One odor in particular to be alert to is a burning smell, which can indicate overheating. When air doesn’t flow freely, the furnace works harder, and the extra strain can lead to overheating and a complete breakdown.
You Have To Clean Your Home More Often
An increase in dust accumulation on the surfaces inside your home is another sign of the furnace filter getting dirty fast. If you notice that shelves and tables seem to always have a layer of dust on them no matter how often you clean, this often means that the furnace filter isn’t working properly and is allowing dust to circulate through the air. A clean filter can help prevent this from happening.
The Expiration Date Is in the Past
When you purchase new furnace filters, the packaging will detail the expected filter lifespan. Before installing the new filter, mark the expiration date — the current date plus the recommended usage time frame — on the side of the filter so you know exactly when you installed it. If you notice the furnace filter getting dirty fast, you can adjust the expiration date accordingly on future filters.
Keep the Furnace Working Reliably All Season With Help From Glastonbury’s Top HVAC Service
Whether it’s time to schedule a seasonal maintenance appointment for your furnace, you have questions about the condition of your heater (like “Should furnaces be hot to the touch?”), need repairs, or any other HVAC service, turn to SM Mechanical Services LLC. We’re proud to help homeowners in the Glastonbury, Connecticut, area stay warm and cozy all winter long with comprehensive HVAC services.
A warm home is a priority during a cold Connecticut winter, and you can count on our team to make sure your heating system is in prime condition to work reliably on the most frigid days. Give us a call today for maintenance help and advice so you don’t have to deal with the furnace filter getting dirty fast.