It’s Time To Change Your Furnace Filter … In The Middle Of The Summer

Some home improvement projects just make sense. You expect to water the lawn in the summer, wash the windows in the spring, and paint the house in the fall after the high temperatures are gone for the year.

But what about changing your furnace filter … in the middle of the summer?

Surprisingly, it’s a great time of year to do it.

Let’s start with how a furnace works

Here in Colorado, the most common type of HVAC equipment is gas-forced air. It comes with a furnace, an air conditioner, and ductwork connecting every room in your home. Without getting too technical, both the furnace and the air conditioner use the ventilation system that weaves through your home via the ductwork to deliver properly conditioned air into each room.

Warm or cooled, the air travels through the entire system before it’s delivered into your rooms.

How furnace filters work

Furnace filters are designed to protect the blower fan from contaminants that move throughout the HVAC system. Pollen, dander, dust, and other pollutants can easily move into your HVAC system via the ducts, and travel throughout the system every time the system turns on. The furnace filter is designed to stop these contaminants before they end up inside your home’s air supply, or back in your HVAC equipment where they can damage the system.

How do you know if your furnace filter should be replaced?

One of the easiest ways to see if your furnace filter needs changing is to look at it. If you notice it’s filled with dust and dirt, it’s a good idea to change it. But sometimes it’s also a good idea to replace it more frequently to ensure your air quality remains fresh and clean. It may be time to clean your filter if:

• Your home seems more dusty than normal
• You notice a strange smell when your furnace or air conditioner operates
• Your HVAC equipment is operating more frequently than normal
• There’s been a change in the environment – those forest fires can contaminate your inside air too
• You have a busy household – pets and kids at home
• You have allergies

How often should you change your furnace filter?

An HVAC technician will tell you to change your furnace filter at a minimum once a season. If you’re spending more time inside, or you see yourself in any of the items above, monthly or even more frequently may be better to ensure your indoor air quality stays healthy.

When was the last time you changed out your furnace filter?

Maybe it’s time.