Are Dirty Air Filters Affecting The Heating Output Of Your Unit?

About Me
How to Keep Your Cool When the Mercury is Rising

When the heat is rising to record-breaking levels, it can be really tough to stay cool. This summer, I found that my air conditioner had trouble keeping up with the temperatures. It wasn't that the AC wasn't working, it was just that I couldn't seem to get my house cooled down as much as I wanted. I worried that I would have to replace the whole AC system. Luckily, I have a good friend who works as an HVAC contractor. He took a look at my system and gave good news -- it didn't need to be replaced. Instead, he shared a lot of tips for helping my air conditioner work more efficiently, as well as some ideas to help supplement the AC and keep the house cooler. I'm using those tips to create this blog to share ways for all of us to keep cool on the hottest days.

Are Dirty Air Filters Affecting The Heating Output Of Your Unit?

14 December 2022
 Categories: , Blog


The simplest and most important thing you can do to keep your furnace running during the cold months is to change the air filters. More so, while they might seem like a simple and easy-to-ignore part of the heating system, they affect the quality and volume of air that gets into the heat exchanger. Hence, if clogged with dirt and filth, the flow reduces, and the unit has to distribute less air than it should. You should know that this could lead to overheating and total system breakdown. Here is everything you need to know about the air filter and how it ensures your furnace keeps working optimally.

How Do They Affect Your Energy Bill? 

There is a direct relationship between the state of the filters and the amount of money you spend on your energy bills. Hence, if you don't clean your filters often, your unit has to work harder to keep the house warm. More so, it will receive less air to heat and blow into the home, which will keep it running longer. Note that these two factors lead to a hiked energy bill. So, if you are paying more each month and you haven't introduced new appliances, the state of the furnace is probably to blame.

Can You Avoid Dirty Filters?

It is easy to avoid the consequences of having dirty air filters. You can do this by making it a habit to check the state of the furnace, especially the part that houses the filter. Note that your checkup should be more regular during the heating season. To do this, remove the filter and hold it up against the light. If it is no longer transparent, it's probably time to replace it. However, if this is a task you cannot perform on your own, hire a heating maintenance technician to access and change the filter.

Does the Filter Affect Your Heating Unit?

Most people worry that a dirty air filter will affect their energy bills but never consider the additional cost it heaps. You should know that an overworked furnace will break down earlier than it should. As such, you will spend more money on component replacements and routine repairs. Consequently, you will pay more to keep your unit running than if you changed the air filters. Also, the constant breakdowns shorten your unit's life span, meaning you will have to buy a new one sooner than expected.

The best way to maintain your heating system and ensure it serves you for a long time is by changing the filters regularly. So, make sure you hire an expert to perform this task during their routine checkups and maintenance.

For more info, contact heating system maintenance services.