Why Air Filters are Important for Your Heating System

Whether it's in your return vent or in your furnace's blower compartment, the air filter plays a larger role in heating than you may realize. The following will lay out the basic role of the air filter and what can happen when it's either not there or not routinely replaced.

Keeping a Clean Heating System

Filters keep the inside of the furnace or air handler free of dirt and dust, among other things. Rather than cleaning the indoor air, this is their primary purpose. There are sensitive components inside furnaces and heat pumps that cannot work efficiently when particles settle on them. Take the furnace burners and blades, for example. Dirty burners reduce the amount of heat produced by the heat exchanger, the result being lukewarm air and longer cycles. Your furnace may never even reach the desired temperature. As for dirty blades, these force the motor to overwork itself in spinning the blower wheel. Expect higher energy bills as a consequence.

Maintaining Healthy Indoor Air

Indirectly, of course, filters contribute to healthier indoor air, though what they catch will depend on what material they are made from. A pleated filter in your return vent, for example, could remove not only large dust particles but also mold spores, dust mites and their feces as well as pet dander.

What Clogged Filters Can Do

Filters are effective for only so long, after which they become a burden on your heating system. All the particles they capture will wind up restricting airflow, and the furnace or heat pump will have to work harder to distribute warm air at the same rate. The end result is higher energy bills and a shorter life for the system.

Providing Maintenance Since 1986

At New River Heating & Air, we can replace or clean your filters as a part of our annual maintenance. Our licensed, insured and NATE-certified technicians are ready to travel anywhere in Radford, VA, to provide this critical service. Customer satisfaction is 100% guaranteed, so give us a call today for a convenient appointment.