Winters in Utah can get bitterly cold, so you need your furnace to work reliably. To make sure it can keep your home warm and comfortable, it’s important to keep up with maintenance. One of the simplest ways to keep your heating system running efficiently is changing your furnace filter.
Many wonder how often this filter needs to be changed. For most homeowners, replacing the filter every 1 to 3 months is a good starting point, although the ideal schedule depends on several factors.
When Should You Replace Your Furnace Filter?
The recommended furnace filter replacement schedule depends largely on the type and thickness of filter your HVAC system uses. Here’s a general guide:
- 1-inch fiberglass filters: Every 30 days
- 1-inch pleated filters: 60 to 90 days
- 2-inch to 3-inch filters: 3 to 6 months
- 4-inch to 5-inch media filters: 6 to 12 months
These timelines are general estimates. Always follow your filter manufacturer’s instructions and check the filter regularly for visible dirt and debris.
What Factors Affect How Often You Should Change Your Furnace Filter?
While filter thickness and type are important, several household and environmental factors can influence how quickly a filter becomes dirty.
Pets in Your Home
Dogs and cats shed hair and dander that can accumulate in your HVAC filter. If you have multiple pets, you may need to replace your filter more frequently than the standard recommendation.
Allergies & Indoor Air Quality Concerns
If someone in your household experiences allergies or respiratory sensitivities, maintaining a clean HVAC filter is particularly important.
A properly selected filter can capture dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles. However, filters that become heavily loaded with debris may restrict airflow and reduce HVAC performance.
Utah’s Dusty & Dry Climate
Utah County homeowners often deal with dry conditions, seasonal dust, and wildfire smoke. These environmental factors can introduce additional airborne particles into your home, meaning your HVAC filter may collect debris more quickly.
How Often Your HVAC System Runs
The more frequently your furnace or air conditioner operates, the more air passes through its filter. During Utah’s cold winters and hot summers, your HVAC system may run for extended periods. This increased usage can cause filters to become dirty faster than during milder seasons.
Signs It’s Time to Change Your Furnace Filter
Even if you follow a regular replacement schedule, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of a clogged or dirty filter.
Common signs include:
- Visible dirt and dust on the filter
- Weak airflow from vents
- Increased dust accumulation on furniture and other surfaces
- Longer heating cycles than usual
- Higher energy bills
- Uneven indoor temperatures in your home
These symptoms can also indicate other HVAC problems. If replacing the filter doesn’t resolve the issue, scheduling a furnace repair is a good next step.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Furnace Filter?
Neglecting furnace filter replacement can affect more than just the air circulating through your home. As dust and debris accumulate, the filter becomes increasingly restrictive, making it harder for your HVAC system to move air.
Over time, this can contribute to several problems, including:
- Reduced energy efficiency
- Increased equipment wear
- Overheating and shutdowns
- Reduced indoor comfort
How to Change Your Furnace Filter
To replace your furnace filter, start by turning off your HVAC system. Locate the filter, which is commonly found near the furnace’s blower compartment or inside a return-air grille.
Remove the old filter and check its dimensions before installing a replacement. Make sure the new filter is the correct size and that the airflow arrow points in the direction of airflow, generally toward the furnace or air handler. Once the filter is securely installed, turn your system back on.
Avoid choosing a filter solely because it has the highest MERV rating. Some high-efficiency filters create additional airflow resistance, so it’s important to select a filter that’s compatible with your HVAC system. If you’re unsure which filter to use, an HVAC technician can recommend an appropriate option.
Keep Your Furnace Running Efficiently With Gunthers
Changing your furnace filter regularly is an important part of HVAC maintenance, but it’s only one step toward keeping your heating system operating safely and efficiently. Professional furnace maintenance includes inspecting critical components, checking airflow, cleaning equipment, and identifying developing problems before they lead to unexpected breakdowns.
At Gunthers Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical, we’ve served homeowners throughout Utah County since 1910. Our experienced technicians provide top-quality heating services, including furnace maintenance, repairs, and installations, to help keep your home comfortable.
Contact our team today to schedule professional heating maintenance in American Fork or the surrounding areas.
