Why Is My Furnace Filter Black?

There are a few reasons why your furnace filter will turn black after a while. The purpose of the filter is to remove dust and other contaminants from the air. They sometimes need to be replaced or cleaned as often as every month during the heating season. Here are common reasons why a filter becomes black.

You're Burning Candles

Candles give off a lot of soot, only some of which ends up in your furnace's filter. Most of the soot ends up on surfaces such as walls, carpet, and furniture. Some will also end up in your lungs. It's best to stop burning candles altogether. If you're not willing to do that, buy American-made candles. There are regulations in the United States that limit how much soot a candle can produce. Also, keep candles away from airflow, as this causes up to 300% more soot being produced.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is produced when the combustion process is incomplete. It can be produced by your furnace, a car idling in the garage, or gas appliances. While carbon monoxide is colorless, it will turn furnace filters black. If natural gas is used in your home, you should have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor. If you suspect carbon monoxide is an issue in your house, contact an HVAC company right away. New River Heating & Air is located in Radford, Virginia, and can help you with any issue with your HVAC system.

Mold Growth

The evaporator coil in your air conditioner becomes damp when used. Mold grows on damp surfaces. The mold can then spread to your furnace and the rest of your home. You should have your HVAC equipment cleaned at least once a year to prevent this situation.

HVAC Professionals

At New River Heating & Air, we've been helping people since 1986. We offer heating and cooling equipment and a variety of HVAC services. We also tackle duct cleaning, indoor air quality issues, and tankless water heater services. Contact us today if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment.