How Often Do You Need To Change The Furnace Filter?

You need a clean, unclogged furnace filter to keep your heating system in top shape. And that means changing it as necessary.

“How often should I change my furnace filter?” Glad you asked that question. There really is no hard and fast rule, but there are some general guidelines. Try our recommendations and enjoy the cozy warmth of your smoothly running furnace this winter and avoid emergency furnace repairs or furnace replacement.

How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter? At Least Every 90 Days

Your furnace filter needs to be changed at least every 90 days (or cleaned, if you use a permanent filter). The filter has a dirty job – collecting airborne dust, hair, and other small particles so they don’t harm your furnace’s components.

If the filter gets too full of gunk, it ends up restricting airflow. That hurts the performance of your furnace and may even cause a breakdown. Your furnace may start leaking water too. Do you really want a furnace that blows cold air?

Check The Filter Every 30 Days

Make a habit of checking your furnace filter every 30 days. Although you definitely need to change the filter every 3 months, it might need replacement more often.

So, once a month look to see whether your air filter is grey and clogged with dust. If so, change it. Because new filters are inexpensive and can be purchased at Ottawa Home Services. Your furnace will thank you.

When You Need To Change Your Furnace Filter More Often

“How often do I need to change my furnace filter – every 90 days or every 30 days?” If you’re starting to feel confused, relax. Sometimes filters need to be changed more frequently than every 90 days (that’s why you need to check). It all depends on the conditions in your home, such as:

Dust

Whenever your indoor air is exceptionally dusty (maybe you’re doing dust-generating home renovations), your filter will clog up faster.

Pets

Sweet though they are, most pets shed fur and dander. Some of that will end up … guess where? In your furnace filter.

Allergies and Asthma

Does anyone in your household suffer from allergies or asthma? Clean fresh air is especially important for anyone with breathing difficulties. Changing your furnace filter more often will help improve the indoor air quality.

Heavy HVAC Use

During particularly cold — or hot — Ottawa weather, you’re likely to run your heating and cooling system constantly. That heavy use will tend to cause more dust and clogging in the furnace filter.

How To Change (Or Clean) The Furnace Filter

1. Always switch off your furnace first.

2. Take the filter out from the return air vent. Note the filter positioning so you can replace it easily. Typically, there are arrows on the filter that indicates how to insert it into the furnace.

3. To replace a disposable furnace filter, just pop in a new one in the same position.

4. To clean a permanent furnace filter, gently vacuum off the debris. Then wipe with a wet cloth. Dry thoroughly before putting it back into the furnace air vent.

5. Not sure whether your filter is disposable or permanent? A plastic frame indicates a permanent filter.

Another Way To Keep Your Furnace In Great Shape

Now that you’ve mastered the art of changing your furnace filter, here’s an additional way to help your furnace last longer. Have Ottawa Home Services give your furnace an annual furnace cleaning and tune-up.

Furnace maintenance is like insurance – it keeps your heating running great all winter. Bonus: it also makes your furnace more energy-efficient. You’ll stay warm while spending less money on fuel bills.

REQUEST A QUOTE FOR FURNACE MAINTENANCE TODAY!