How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter?

Male arm and hand replacing disposable air filter in residential air furnace..

Your furnace comes equipped with an air filter designed to capture dust and debris, ensuring the air circulating through your vents remains clean. However, if the filter becomes clogged, it can cause your indoor air quality to take a hit and also make your furnace work overtime to heat your home. That’s why it’s important to change your furnace filter regularly, so your home can continue to benefit from cleaner, healthier air. But how often should you be doing so? In this blog, our HVAC experts at Colonial Heating & Cooling cover how often to replace your furnace filter, the benefits of doing so, and how to do it correctly.

When To Replace Your Furnace Air Filter

Furnace air filters need to be replaced every few months to keep your system running smoothly. Ideally, you should aim to change them every one to three months to maintain a clean filter and ensure better air quality in your home.

Several factors may affect how often you need to replace the filter. Homes with pets, allergy sufferers, or older HVAC systems may require more frequent changes. Be sure to also follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific filter to ensure optimal performance.

Benefits of Changing Out Your Furnace Filters

Regularly replacing your furnace’s air filter is crucial for keeping your HVAC system in top condition. A clogged filter filled with dust and debris can put unnecessary strain on your furnace, potentially leading to costly breakdowns. That’s why swapping in a clean filter on a consistent basis is so important.

In addition to preventing breakdowns, there are several other benefits to replacing your air filter:

  • Extended lifespan: A regularly changed air filter helps your furnace operate more smoothly, which can increase its overall service life.
  • Better energy efficiency: When the filter is clean, your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, helping lower your energy costs.
  • Fewer repairs: A clean filter reduces the strain on your system, minimizing the likelihood of expensive repairs.
  • Improved air quality: Fresh filters do a better job of trapping dust and pollutants, ensuring cleaner air in your home.

How To Change the Air Filter in Your Furnace

Replacing your furnace air filter is a simple task that most homeowners can handle without needing professional assistance. To install a new air filter, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the furnace air intake vent
  2. Open the vent and find the old filter
  3. Remove the old filter and discard it
  4. Insert the new filter, making sure it’s aligned correctly as indicated on the filter
  5. Close and secure the vent

If you need professional help, Colonial is here for you. We can change your furnace air filter and handle any additional furnace maintenance. Our technicians can also guide you in selecting the best air filter for your home’s air quality needs.

Choose Colonial for Expert Furnace Services

Colonial Heating & Cooling has served homeowners in Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Westland, Livonia, and the surrounding areas since 1973, so we know our way around a furnace. Whether you need routine furnace maintenance, same-day repairs, or a furnace replacement, our highly trained technicians have you covered.

Contact Colonial today to schedule furnace services in Plymouth or the surrounding areas.

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Trained Technicians
Our team will arrive at your home with the expertise and tools needed to restore your home’s comfort.
Locally Owned & Operated
From our leadership to our technicians, everyone on the team is dedicated to helping our community thrive.
Lennox Premier Dealer
Lennox Premier Dealer
We're proud to offer Lennox systems that will exceed all your expectations.