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Bartels Heating & Cooling Blog

Can a Furnace Be Damaged by Clogged Filters?

You may know that the filter(s) used along with your HVAC equipment help to eliminate contaminants from the air that you breathe. Forced-air systems would recirculate dirty air if there was not a barrier set in place, but a furnace filter can trap particles like dust and bacteria so that you can feel a little better about the indoor air quality.

If you wait to change a dirty filter for too long, it may affect the quality of the air. But more likely, you’ll notice the effects on your heating system first. A dirty furnace filter restricts airflow to the furnace, leading to higher energy spending, poor heating performance, and even a potential heating breakdown.

Your furnace requires a certain amount of airflow in order to operate properly. When your unit was first installed, technicians made precise measurements to make sure that the heating capacity of the furnace was enough to heat the home completely without using excessive amounts of energy. When not enough airflow can make its way into the furnace to be heated, the unit will consume too much energy in an attempt to get your home to the desired temperature.

But the high energy spending is not necessarily the biggest problem you may face. If your furnace takes longer to meet heating demands, parts can begin to become overworked. Your furnace may break down well before its expected lifespan and you’ll probably notice reduced heating in one or more areas of the house.

If your heating system is already struggling to heat your home, changing the filter may not be enough. While it is possible that the clogged filter contributed to the problems with your HVAC system, it’s also likely that the other parts have begun to break down as well and will require professional service.

Changing the filters every one to three months is a job you can do on your own, but heating repair is best left to professionals. You can also ensure your unit is working properly by scheduling maintenance annually and calling for repairs at the first sign of trouble. We offer professional heating services in the Hamilton area. Call Bartels Heating & Cooling today to schedule an appointment with us.

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