Checking and changing the furnace filter regularly is a great way to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) and boost the efficiency and performance of the heating system. Every day the air in the home is passed through the air filter multiple times, and it can become stale. The circulating air will pick up airborne contaminants, such as dust, dirt, mites, and other pollutants that can harm your health. It’s estimated that the air in most homes is at least five times more polluted than the air outdoors! But, we lead busy lives with many distractions, and it can be hard to remember when a furnace filter change is needed. In this article, we will look at six simple ways that you can avoid missing a vital filter change.
Are Furnace Filter Changes Important?
The short answer is yes, before we delve into the furnace filter change reminders let’s take a quick look at some of the pollutants that are lurking in your home. They are allergens, auto emissions, chemical fumes, dead skin cells, dust mites, germs, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, smoke, and viruses. The furnace filter is the first line of defense against these pollutants and they should be considered to be a vital component.
Every filter has a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Rating Value) rating, and ratings mean that they can trap smaller particulates. As an example: a high-efficiency filter with a MERV rating of 8 or higher can trap airborne pollutants before they are cycled back into the home. This is a great way to improve the IAQ, and people that suffer from asthma or allergies will breathe easier. It’s tempting to consider installing an air filter with a higher MERV rating to trap more contaminants but there is a point of diminishing returns. The highest rated filters are extremely effective, but the air must be placed under considerable pressure to force it through the dense filter structure. Domestic systems are not designed to do this, and considerable energy would be expended. The highest MERV rated filters are typically found in clean rooms, specialized clinics, and surgical suites.
Filter changes are important because the trapped airborne particulates gradually build up on the surface of the filter over time. The filter pores become clogged, and the IAQ begins to degrade. People with pre-existing breathing ailments and those with severe allergies will be the first to notice the IAQ difference. Even healthier people may experience brain fog, colds, sneezing, and other health issues which clear up when they leave the home. The furnace will also need to work harder to compensate for the lack of circulated air which overworks the equipment leading to a failure. To make matters worse, this will consume more energy and the electricity bills will increase too.
6 Furnace Filter Change Reminder Tips
1. Make a Checklist
Creating an annual checklist with every furnace filter change time clearly marked can be a useful way to remember the upcoming changes. Other important dates for essential annual maintenance, cleaning, and other tasks can be put on this list too.
2. Make a Calendar
When you have a list of everything that you need to remember for your furnace, it should be placed on a calendar in a prominent location. Mark out the work according to the seasons and schedule any maintenance before the start of an upcoming heating or cooling season. Try to stick to the calendar closely to identify and fix any smaller issues before they develop into more extensive problems that cost more to fix.
3. Set Air Filter Reminders
The air filter needs to be changed every 1-3 months depending on the specific filter model you’re using. Some high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters only need to be changed on an annual basis. Check the air filter model and set an alarm on your phone or a desk calendar if you prefer to write things down.
Regular air filter changes can prevent filter clogging, which can overwork and damage the blower motor unit. The volume of air that can pass through the air filter may be compromised which drives up the energy bills. In extreme cases, the blower motor can overheat and fail, leading to an expensive repair bill.
4. Write Reminders on Filters
The filters have a cardboard edge which is a perfect surface to write a reminder on. Many people are visual people that prefer a physical prompt to remember things. Mark the rim with a marker with the date when you need to use that filter. Store the filters in the order that you want to use them and place them in a prominent place near the furnace. Every time you pass that location, you can clearly see the date, or you can place a sticky note on the thermostat.
5. Use Timing to Your Advantage
If you can synchronize the filter changes with other important dates, you may find them easier to remember. It may seem strange to change a filter on a birthday or anniversary, but it could be a valid strategy for some people. Filter changes can be lined up with time changes, seasonal changes, and HVAC maintenance dates too. When those dates are rapidly approaching, people tend to pay more attention to calendars, diaries, and reminders. Changing a filter is a simple task, and it won’t ruin a special day.
6. Reward Yourself
If you’ve kept on top of the filter changes, make sure to reward yourself for your diligence. Associating positive experiences with essential tasks is a great way to remember them. After all, you have saved money because you kept your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. Great job.
How Often Should I Change the Furnace Filters?
The furnace filters should be changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. If the air is poor quality or there are pets living in the home, you may need to change the filter more frequently. A standard 1” filter should be changed every 1-3 months, and high-efficiency filters every 6-9 months. Changing the filters regularly will improve the IAQ, performance, and efficiency of your furnace.
If you want to schedule some essential maintenance for your furnace, contact your local heating and cooling specialist.