3 Effects of Dirty Air Filters on Furnace

Your furnace is one of the most parts of your home, but it can be prone to problems if you don’t take proper care of it. A dirty air filter can cause many issues with your furnace, from poor performance to costly repairs. Here’s what you can do about it. 1. Reduced Furnace Performance A dirty air filter reduces the amount of air that can pass through the filter, impacting your furnace’s performance. This reduction in airflow causes your furnace to work harder than usual to keep up with the demand for warm air within your home. As a result, it will have shorter cycles, run more frequently and use more energy than usual. Not only does this reduce its efficiency, but it can also cause unnecessary wear and tear on the components of your furnace. 2. Safety Concerns A dirty air filter is also a safety hazard because it restricts airflow so much that combustion gases cannot vent properly from the system. This increases pressure within the unit and may cause carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in your home. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can cause serious health risks if inhaled in large quantities. Installing CO detectors in...

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3 Tips for Choosing the Best Furnace Filter

Throughout the winter, your Center Point, TX home’s furnace keeps each room warm and toasty. During each heating cycle, the warmed air passes through the furnace filter. It’s important to replace the filter every 30 to 90 days in order to maintain good furnace performance and indoor air quality. Choosing the best furnace filter can be tricky, so follow these three easy tips. 1. Select the Right Size Each make and model of furnace has its own size requirement for filters. Refer to the owner’s manual to verify the correct size for your heating system. You’ll need to know the length, width and thickness of the filter. Ordering filters in bulk will save you money on filter replacements. 2. Evaluate the MERV Rating Minimum efficiency reported value (MERV) is a rating system for air filters. The higher the rating, the smaller the particles trapped by the filter. If anyone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma or another breathing disorder, choose a filter rated at least 14. Be sure to read your furnace’s owner’s manual as some furnaces can’t accept filters with too low or too high of a MERV rating. 3. Consider Your Preferences There are disposable and reusable...

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