How to clean furnace filter

The general rule is to change a furnace filter—usually located behind a return-air vent or in a slot on the furnace itself—at least once every 90 days.

When your air filter is dirty and clogged, your furnace must work harder than usual in order to compensate for the increased blockage of airflow. Not only does this significantly increase your utility bills, but it also results in your furnace system overheating or shutting off too quickly.

A filter is designed to catch all the air that goes through your air conditioning. If the filter is not installed correctly, then the air can flow around the filter and not into it. When that happens, the filter won’t get dirty because all that air isn’t going anywhere near it.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), dirty air filters may be to blame. Studies show that indoor air pollution caused by a dirty air filter can trigger allergic reactions and sinus congestion in those with allergies to animals, pollen and mold.

Even though your air conditioning system will work without a filter, experts recommend against it because it can cause severe damage to your AC system and then you’ll need to pay for expensive repairs.

If you run a furnace without a filter, it won’t cause immediate problems, but contaminants will build inside your heating unit and can cause long-term damage. Keeping a clean filter ensures it operates efficiently and can keep dirt, dander, and debris from circulating back through your home.

When your A/C is on the thermostat fan will constantly be running causing air too run over the air filter continuously and causing it to get dirty more quickly. You may have a leak in your air ducts – Leaky air ducts can also cause your filter to clog up and especially if it is near your AC unit.

If the air filter is not serviced often enough, it will eventually become clogged to the point that air cannot pass through it. When the furnace is operating, the lack of air flow will trap the heat in the system. Without a new air filter, the furnace will overheat every time it starts up again.

Filters that are only about one inch to two inches thick are going to have to be replaced every one to three months. Filters that are three inches and four inches can last between six to nine months. A filter that is five to six inches can give you up anywhere between nine to 12 months of filter action.

Dirty air filters are often the culprit behind an inefficiently performing furnace. That’s because air filters trap dust, dirt and debris like hair, which over time can restrict or block vital air flow, overheating the heat exchanger and preventing your furnace from working as it should.

Air Filter Appears Dirty.

A clean air filter appears white or off-white in color, but as it accumulates dust and dirt, it will look darker in color. However, very often, the inner layers of filter paper inside the air filter might have dust and debris that is not visible even in bright light.

e water molecules using sound waves and the byproduct of this process is a fine white mineral powder. This powder then accumulates on surfaces in the home and get sucked up into the duct system and finally onto the filter. The filter quickly fills up and can no longer allow air through.

Excess Amounts of Dirt and Debris – Including Soot

The more there is, the quicker your air filter will become clogged. If you don’t regularly check your furnace filter often, the sheer amount of dirt could make the air filter black. They spread smoke and soot into the air, which can settle on the filter.

Your Air Filter is Severely Clogged. If neither soot nor mold is causing your air filter to be black, it is likely severely clogged. When your air filter is clogged, it can restrict airflow, hindering your home’s indoor air quality while damaging your HVAC system in the process.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

A dirty air filter can spread pollutants that can cause rashes, headaches, eye irritation, sinus troubles, asthma or allergy symptoms, and other health problems. Changing your air filter regularly will make you and your family more comfortable.

Clogs May Cause the Furnace to Shut Down

In the most severe cases, a dirty furnace air filter may cause damage to the internal components of the furnace. If the furnace isn’t able to turn on, this is an indicator of damage to the fan, pilot light, heat exchanger, pressure switches, gas valves, or other components.

A headache that regularly hits as soon as you wake in the morning, is a very common symptom of sleep apnea or another sleep disorder. If you have untreated sleep apnea, you may experience headaches in the morning due to the strain that the condition puts on your body.

“The main indoor allergens that may trigger a headache are dust and mold,” says Mays. If you are allergic to either one, an allergy-free home may be the ticket to a headache-free home. Follow dust and mold tips such as: Reduce humidity with a home dehumidifier.