Most of us are very aware of an issue with our home’s furnace. As soon as the temperature drops just a few degrees, we walk to the thermostat, tap it, and try to get the furnace to pump some much-wanted heat through the house. However, when the temperature remains pleasantly warm, we often all but forget that we have a furnace to thank for our comfort. And that is when some significant issues can occur.

Even when your furnace keeps your house at the ideal temperature, it still needs a little regular attention. There is one critical little piece that you need to monitor regularly, and that often overlooked item is the air filter. Most homeowners think that the air filter is just a nice to have item meant to offer increased air quality when the furnace is running. However, that could not be further from the truth. The function of the air filter is to protect the internal components of the furnace from damaging dust and dirt.

The Thankless Job Of An Air Filter

Air filters are one of those odd items that decrease their life expectancy by doing their job well. Unfortunately, as the air filter removes the dust and other debris from the air, it becomes coated in that dirt and dust it is pulling from the air. And while that is precisely what it is meant to do, it can become a detriment to the furnace once it becomes overly clogged with dirt. That is why homeowners need to inspect the air filter regularly and replace it as needed. If left coated in dirt, the clogged air filter will begin to shorten the life of your furnace.

The Benefits Of Replacing A Furnace Air Filter

It can be a challenge to get into the habit of checking the air filter on your furnace. However, many people find that checking it on the first of each month is an excellent way to establish a routine that offers many benefits, including:

• Longer Life Of Your Furnace – The harder it is for your furnace to draw air in through a dirty air filter, the shorter its life will become. The restricted airflow makes all of the components work harder to achieve their goal of creating warm air for your house. And if you continue to leave a dirt-encrusted filter in your furnace, you could be taking years off of its life expectancy. For the five minutes and few dollars for a new air filter, you can protect the life and value of that expensive piece of essential equipment in your home.
• Increased Air Quality – As we mentioned, the air filter is not designed to improve the air quality in your home. But you can look at it as a happy accident or bonus of a clean air filter. It does increase the quality of the air that you are breathing in your home. And it reduces the amount of dust you see on your home’s flat surfaces so that you will enjoy fewer cleaning chores.
• Increased Energy Efficiency – Because the clean air filter allows air to flow effortlessly through the filter, your furnace will be operating at peak energy efficiency, so your utility bills will decrease.
• Reduced Allergens – With increased filtration from a clean filter, you will enjoy fewer allergens. So dust and pet dander will not be triggering as many allergic or asthmatic issues.

For a professional furnace cleaning and air filter replacement, call (912) 225-4056. The experts at Thompson & Thompson Service Group are here to provide all the expert service and tips you need to get the most out of your home’s furnace.