A clogged furnace air filter can have a major impact on the efficiency of your home's HVAC system. When the filter is blocked, it restricts the flow of fresh air into the furnace, causing the heat exchanger to overheat and shut off. This can lead to short cycling problems and make it difficult to keep your home warm. If you're having trouble maintaining a comfortable temperature, a dirty filter may be to blame. A blocked filter interferes with the furnace's heating cycle, making it work harder and produce less heat.
The most serious consequence of a clogged air filter is the damage it can cause to your furnace. When the filter is too dirty, it prevents air from circulating properly, causing the furnace to overheat. Most furnaces are equipped with a limit switch that will automatically shut off the system if it reaches a certain temperature. The same thing happens in summer when your air conditioner can't dissipate heat efficiently. Dust and debris in a home air filter restrict airflow, forcing the furnace to strain and use more energy to heat or cool your home.
Just like changing your car's oil and air filter every 3,000 miles, a clean HVAC air filter protects your heating system from damage and breakdowns. If you're spending too much time cleaning during winter, a dirty furnace filter is likely to blame. So why doesn't your technician change the air filter during routine maintenance? Investing in a quality furnace, scheduling regular maintenance, and addressing furnace repairs in Romeoville, IL promptly will help ensure this is done. An inefficient heating system caused by dirty furnace filters will drive up your energy bills and put your health at risk. If you don't replace or clean the filter for an extended period of time, the system may become so overloaded that it fails. To avoid poor air quality and high energy costs, follow the manufacturer's guidelines and replace your furnace filter regularly.
When the air cleaner is clogged with dirt or debris, the furnace has to work harder than usual to compensate for the increased blockage. In some cases, when the filter is too dirty, the electronic protection of the limit switch may also fail. The purpose of this basic air filter in your furnace isn't to improve indoor air quality throughout your house. If you think your furnace isn't working properly because you haven't changed the air filter, first check the kill switch and circuit breakers to make sure it's actually turned on. Replace the HVAC unit air filter at least once every six months or according to manufacturer's guidelines.
You may be able to spot some signs that it's time to replace the filter before it shuts down completely.
