{"id":825,"date":"2019-12-09T11:00:40","date_gmt":"2019-12-09T16:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.covenantheatingandcooling.com\/blog\/?p=825"},"modified":"2019-12-05T15:27:21","modified_gmt":"2019-12-05T20:27:21","slug":"dirty-air-filter-hurt-heater","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.covenantheatingandcooling.com\/blog\/heating-service\/dirty-air-filter-hurt-heater\/","title":{"rendered":"Can a Dirty Air Filter Hurt Your Heater?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"man-holding-air-filter\"If you\u2019ve followed our blog from the beginning, you\u2019ve likely seen it in writing many times that we recommend you change your HVAC air filter every 1-3 months. We aren\u2019t just throwing this out as a suggestion\u2014we are offering this advice as a way for you to get the most effective and efficient use from your heater (and air conditioner) as possible.<\/p>\n

Considering how much we\u2019ll be using our heaters this winter, don\u2019t you want to do everything you can to prevent emergency repair needs?<\/p>\n

There is one way to do so\u2014by performing one small maintenance task on your own\u2014changing out your air filter. You might be surprised by just how important this small HVAC component is. IT\u2019s about more than protecting your indoor air quality. In fact, that\u2019s not even the purpose of this air filter\u2014your furnace\u2019s air filter is in place to protect the actual furnace itself. More on that below!<\/p>\n

The Goal of Your Air Filter<\/h2>\n

As we mentioned above, the purpose of the HVAC air filter is to protect the HVAC system, not your indoor air quality. Today\u2019s filters are definitely designed to optimize air quality as much as possible, however, because your HVAC system\u2019s blower fan sucks in air at such a high rate, it could also be sucking in heavy amounts of allergens and debris.<\/p>\n

Dirt, dust, and other particles in the air of your living space can build up and damage the furnace, pummeling it with that debris. The filter is in place to protect your furnace form the particles, and clogged up air filter can start creating problems of its own.<\/p>\n

The Problem with a Dirty Air Filter<\/h2>\n

Both your forced-air heater and air conditioner are designed to take in a certain amount of air with each cycle they go through. This airflow helps to ensure you always feel comfortable, but also that the HVAC system motor doesn\u2019t run for too long. Debris and dirt clog up the fliter and won\u2019t allow the right amount of air through, which affects more than simply your comfort.<\/p>\n

Sure, you\u2019ll feel less comfortable due to the lack of airflow, but you will also find yourself paying more to even use <\/em>your HVAC system. Your furnace will have to run nonstop in order to compensate, which results in higher monthly bills. A dirty air filter also leads to serious repair issues, to resolve problems like:<\/p>\n