Without a new air filter, the furnace will overheat every time it is turned on again. This is known as short cycling. Dirty furnace filters cause the furnace to work harder than necessary due to decreased airflow. The harder your furnace works, the faster your parts will wear out and need repairs.
Along with poor air quality, there are some dangerous operating problems that can be the result of not changing the furnace filter. One of the biggest of these problems includes the potential for the furnace to overheat. This is usually because the furnace has to work very hard to draw air through the clogged filter, and then it overheats from the effort. Any overheated appliance risks causing a fire or causing major problems, but furnaces are especially prone to some of these issues.
Other problems may include malfunction of the appliance, inefficiency, and even total failure. Ensuring that the filter is changed regularly in the furnace can help keep homes and loved ones safe. Replacing the air filter and having the HVAC system inspected regularly are part of a preventive maintenance routine. Failure to change the air filter can damage other parts of the system and can result in a large repair bill later on.
Changing air filters regularly can help preserve the life of your system and make it work more efficiently. If the air filter is clogged and can't keep contaminants out of the air as they should, those elements can return to the air you breathe. As a result, immediate problems could include itchy eyes or throat, headaches, and more. If you continue with that same air filter and the problems keep pace, the long-term impacts could be serious.
They include possible heart disease, respiratory disease, and even cancer, experts say. Furnaces are very important, but if not properly maintained they can become dangerous, and this can be the case if the furnace filter is old. Ensuring that it is changed regularly can prevent danger and exacerbation of health problems. These filters prevent particles, dust, allergens and other elements from entering the furnace and damaging it, and then circulating in the air in the house. A clean filter can better filter the air and prevent dirt, allergens, or dust from circulating in the home.
Depending on the type of air filter you use, you will need to follow different programs to ensure that the filter is always working for optimal performance. If you haven't changed your home's air filters lately, the next step should be to determine which filters you need and replace them as soon as possible. When air filters are not constantly changed, they become clogged by the accumulation of particles and contaminants that adhere to the filter. Failure to change the furnace filter can cause a house fire or a combination of deadly flue gases (carbon monoxide) with the air in your home. This is because when the filter is full or clogged with debris, the furnace has to work harder to draw air into the system.
Dirty filters not only obstruct the amount of air that can flow into the furnace, but also allow particles, allergens, dust and other elements to be released into it and then circulate with hot air. Regularly changing your furnace filter is an important part of keeping your home safe from fire hazards as well as protecting your family's health from dangerous pollutants in your home's air supply. It's also important for maintaining your HVAC system's efficiency so that it runs smoothly for years to come.