Changing your furnace filters is one of the most important things you can do to keep your heating system in good working order. This is an easy and affordable maintenance task, yet it often goes neglected by many homeowners. The professionals at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, say most households would benefit from having new filters installed monthly, but higher-quality filters may last three to six months.

Here, the company explains why it’s essential to replace your furnace filters frequently:

• Prevent Excessive Wear & Tear: When dirt is allowed to build up in a furnace, it makes it difficult for air to pass through. This can eventually cause an HVAC system to overheat from having to work so hard to push air out. The unnecessary strain will lead to premature wear and tear, which means you will be required to invest in repairs or a full system replacement, depending on the damage that’s done. Simply changing the filters can prevent this from happening. 
• Maintain Good Indoor Air Quality: If dirty filters remain in your system, the pollutants that have been trapped will be redistributed into the air you breathe every day. This is especially dangerous if anyone in your household suffers from asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, since these contaminants can trigger a reaction as they’re dispersed throughout the house. In addition, clogged filters won’t be able to capture any new dust or allergen particles, which decreases your indoor air quality.
• Avoid High Energy Bills: When airflow becomes obstructed because of filthy furnace filters, your HVAC system will begin to work overtime to try and keep your home at a comfortable temperature. This means more energy is being used, and, in turn, your utility expenses will skyrocket. Replacing old filters on a regular basis will make your system run more efficiently and cut down on your costs significantly. 

Failing to change your furnace filters often can end up affecting your health and your wallet. For more information or to schedule an appointment for HVAC system maintenance, contact Steve’s Plumbing & Heating at (715) 421-1800. Visit their website for a full list of services.