What Does a Furnace Filter Do?

Every home owner or renter knows that one of the key maintenance items one should do for their home’s HVAC system is to replace your furnace filter on a monthly basis. However, have you ever stopped to think about what exactly a furnace filter does for your HVAC system? Or, what would happen if you didn’t change your furnace filter on a monthly basis? Nortek Environmental, Inc. has written this blog to give you a few points of reference as to how your furnace filter plays a vital role in your home’s HVAC system and the importance behind changing your furnace filter on an annual basis.

The main function of your furnace filter is simple: to remove particles from the air stream traveling through your duct work to keep them out of your home and out of your air conditioner. However, as your furnace filter removes these particles from your air flow, your furnace filter begins to have a build up of these particles form on the filter itself. It is because of the build up that it is extremely important that you change your furnace filter on a monthly basis to make sure that your furnace filter can still remove these particles out of your air flow.

Additionally, it is important to change out your filter on a monthly basis because having a clogged furnace filter will allow your furnace and air conditioner to not function as efficiently as possible. Also, not changing out your furnace filter can actually turn your filter into an air pollutant in itself. Finding replacement furnace filters are extremely easy. All you have to do is go to your local hardware store. Larger hardware/home appliance stores such as Home Depot and Menards typically stock a wide variety of filter sizes. You may even find that your local grocery store supplies your furnace filter size as well, as some people can find the most common furnace filter sizes there. If you have any difficulty locating your proper size, please feel free to contact us at (630) 548-1500, and we would be happy to assist you!