Will a Furnace Run With a Dirty Filter?

Do you need furnace repair, maintenance, or installation in Vero Beach? Give Bates Air & Heat a call at (772) 837-5854 and let our team provide the excellent workmanship and customer service you deserve. 

Furnaces are vital for getting through the winter months comfortably but require maintenance like all other areas of your HVAC system. One of the easiest yet most commonly forgotten upkeep tasks includes replacing the furnace filter. It only takes a few seconds but can have a huge impact.

Will a furnace run with a dirty filter? Our team will discuss the importance of swapping out dirty filters for clean ones and how leaving clogged ones in can negatively affect the performance of your furnace. We'll also offer recommendations on how often to replace these filters.

Once you've learned more about furnace filters and how their cleanliness impacts your furnace, connect with our veteran-owned and operated HVAC business serving many areas in Florida. We're the experienced HVAC contractor in Vero Beach, FL, you can count on!

Why Do Furnaces Need a Clean Filter?

All furnaces need filters to function, but having clean ones gives you optimal performance and a longer lifespan. Furnace filters trap dirt, dust, and other small particles from entering your air supply, providing you with the warm, clean air you want. Clean filters are essential for:

• Continuous access to warmth
• Preventing short cycling
• Better indoor air quality
• Decreasing chances of needing repairs
• And more!

Consequences of Neglecting a Dirty Furnace Filter

Your furnace still might run for a while with a dirty filter, but it will cause more problems the longer you wait. Eventually, your system will completely fail, requiring you to invest in a replacement. Consider the consequences of not changing the filter:

Decreased Energy Efficiency

With a system working against itself, you'll notice a decline in energy efficiency and higher monthly bills.

More Wear and Tear

Will a furnace run with a dirty filter? Your furnace might run for some time until it eventually gives out and completely stops working. Rather than letting it get to the point of no return, replace your furnace filter routinely to avoid excessive wear and tear and a fast decline to your system.

Furnaces have to work twice as hard with a clogged filter, causing internal parts to break down and expensive energy bills.

Airflow Resistance

Clean air filters allow good airflow, but dirt and dust can block its path.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Having dirty furnace filters does more than just harm your unit's performance. It also affects the air you breathe and contributes to dirty, polluted air that can circulate throughout your property. Since the filter is full of dust, dirt, and debris, the incoming particles have nowhere to go, traveling back through your ductwork system and into various parts of your home or business.

Instead of dealing with this, you can breathe better by consistently changing your furnace's filter. Remember to keep some extras on hand!

Frequent Short Cycling

Quick on-and-off cycling is never a good sign when it comes to furnaces. When your appliance starts overheating, it has measures in place to protect it, automatically shutting off for safety reasons. If warm air can't escape the furnace, the system can't do its job properly.

When the hot air builds up inside the furnace, it becomes a major issue. A clogged filter prevents the warm air from distributing throughout your property instead of remaining stuck inside the system. Since your home still isn't warm or at your desired temperature, the furnace kicks on again to try to achieve that, failing soon after, shutting off, and beginning the frustrating cycle until you resolve it.

How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?

Our team recommends replacing your air filter at the start of each month to keep your system in the best possible shape. Some suggest replacement every three months or during the transitions between the four seasons, but even more frequently is better. This simple task takes only a few seconds and requires no tools, special training, or equipment—just the right size filter for your furnace.

Pop it in, and you're done. Setting yourself reminders helps, as is buying several filters at a time. They usually cost under $15.

Clues It's Time To Replace Your Furnace Filter

Fortunately, your furnace gives off warning signs that something is wrong. The longer you wait to address issues, the more likely your furnace will suddenly stop working altogether. Look for major signs that it's time to replace your furnace filter, such as:

• Your furnace repeatedly turns on, off, and back on again.
• You can't get comfortable in your home.
• Temperatures never feel warm enough, and you're constantly cold.
• Airflow or circulation seems blocked or weaker than normal.

You can call a local professional for maintenance or repair services, but try replacing your filter first. If problems persist, something else is wrong.

Keeping Your Furnace in Top Shape

Consider the following ways to protect your furnace investment and improve its lifespan:

• Filter replacement
• Regular furnace maintenance

A trusted furnace technician can perform repairs as necessary and maintenance for the best results. Furnaces and boilers are common appliances that require upkeep to remain in optimal condition, but furnaces have filters to replace, while boilers do not.

Connect With Bates Air & Heat for Professional Heating Services in Vero Beach, Florida

Now that we've explained the answer to "Will a furnace run with a dirty filter?" it's time to schedule a tune-up for your business or home's furnace. Experience the unparalleled peace of mind of knowing your furnace operates safely and efficiently. Give Bates Air & Heat a call in Vero Beach, Florida. We can help when your furnace pressure switch goes bad or with any other HVAC concerns you need us to resolve. 

Protect your HVAC system with the help of our five-star business in Vero Beach, FL! Call Bates Air & Heat today at (772) 837-5854 to schedule a service appointment.