Furnaces have multiple components that work together to generate and disperse heat safely. Maintaining a clean air filter is one of the best ways to minimize the need for furnace repair in Tallahassee, FL. Homeowners often overlook the importance of changing this component, but can a dirty furnace filter make you sick?
At Cooper’s Plumbing & Air, we have years of experience addressing heating problems, including those caused by dirty filters. Here, we explain the effects of filthy air filters on health and other issues they sometimes cause.
Typical Issues Caused by Clogged Furnace Filters
Before exploring the answer to “Can a dirty furnace filter make you sick?” it helps to learn how this component works. It’s responsible for trapping dust and airborne contaminants as air travels through the furnace. Cleaner heated air then flows through the property’s ductwork.
Air filters aren’t self-cleaning, so you must either clean or replace them regularly, depending on the type your heating system uses. Otherwise, you could experience the following complications.
Microbial Growth
The dust and moisture that collect on air filters can create the perfect conditions for mold to grow. An increase in mold means an influx of spores, which will recirculate indoors through the air ducts. The fungi can make the filter slimy, and it can cause musty odors that are strongest when the furnace runs.
The same conditions are ideal for other microbes, such as viruses and bacteria. Although the filter helps trap pathogens, its performance will decline the dirtier it gets. You may get sicker more often, especially if you spend a lot of time in your home.
Increased Energy Consumption
Another consequence of overlooking your furnace filter is increased energy consumption. Clogged filters restrict airflow, which can cause the heating unit to work harder. The more the system overworks itself, the more energy it consumes.
Excessive energy consumption often leads to higher energy expenses. In fact, one of the indicators of a dirty filter is a spike in monthly utility bills.
Heating System Damage
Heating components may be in danger of malfunctioning or failing if you don’t change the furnace filter often enough. For instance, the heat exchanger, which is responsible for warming the air that passes over it, could sustain damage due to a clogged air filter.
If the filter is filthy, it will restrict air flowing over the exchanger, which can cause it to overheat and crack. A cracked heat exchanger can trigger serious complications. It will affect the heating system’s ability to warm your home, and it may allow dangerous carbon monoxide gas to leak from your furnace.
When it comes to carbon monoxide exposure, the answer to “Can a dirty furnace filter make you sick?” is yes. Symptoms of poisoning from this furnace byproduct include:
- Weakness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Chest pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
Excessive Dust Inside the Home
Does your home seem unusually dusty, no matter how much you clean? The culprit behind this problem may be a dirty air filter.
An increase in dust inside the home occurs when the filter can no longer trap pollutants, allergens, and pathogens. Dust will settle on surfaces more easily as a result. If you find yourself spending more time dusting and cleaning vents in the winter, check the furnace filter.
A Dirty Filter’s Effects on Health
HVAC filters are essential for maintaining clean air indoors because they prevent airborne pollutants and allergens from recirculating throughout your house. Can a dirty furnace filter make you sick? The short answer is yes.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the concentration of indoor pollutants can be up to five times higher than outdoor levels. Since many people spend much of their time indoors, maintaining healthy indoor air quality is crucial. Your furnace filter helps with that.
When a filter can’t do its job efficiently, your home will have more airborne particles that can settle on your skin or enter your body when you inhale. When that happens, you may experience an uptick in allergy symptoms that flare up mostly when you’re indoors. Even if you don’t have a diagnosed respiratory condition, constant exposure to mold spores, bacteria, and allergens can still make you sick.
Your Guide to Replacing Furnace Filters
The answer to “Can a dirty furnace filter make you sick?” is yes, but is it something you should let HVAC professionals handle? How do you change the filter?
One of the few heating and cooling maintenance tasks homeowners can do themselves is air filter replacement. Tackling this minor project alone typically won’t jeopardize the furnace’s manufacturer’s warranty.
To start, look for your heating unit’s filter. It may be next to the equipment, or it may sit above it or below it, behind a vent.
When you spot the filter after removing the vent, look for arrows on the side of the filter. You must insert the new filter with its arrows facing toward the furnace instead of the return duct. Installing this component backwards will make it harder for air to travel through it.
If you’re uncomfortable doing this work yourself, you can hire an HVAC technician. These professionals replace air filters during furnace tune-ups, so it may be part of your yearly maintenance.
General HVAC Filter Cleaning Timelines
The frequency at which you replace or clean your air filter depends on the filter type:
- Pleated filters with a MERV 11 to 13 rating: Replace every 90 days minimum.
- HEPA purifier cartridges: Replace every six to 12 months.
- Reusable filters: Rinse and dry every 30 days.
Keep Your Home’s Furnace Running Smoothly All Winter
Can a dirty furnace filter make you sick? A clogged air filter won’t only cause respiratory problems but can also contribute to poor indoor air quality and premature furnace failure.
Whether you have an unusually loud furnace or a malfunctioning heating system with reduced airflow, we can help. Our team at Cooper’s Plumbing & Air consists of courteous and knowledgeable technicians who offer a broad range of heating services, including furnace installation and emergency heating. To request a consultation in Tallahassee, FL, contact Cooper’s Plumbing & Air at (866) 464-7132.