It’s no surprise that furnaces are the heating system of choice in Gurnee, IL, and the surrounding areas. When temperatures plunge below freezing, they provide the all-enveloping warmth you want for your family. What’s more surprising is the importance of one of the system’s most humble components: the lowly filter. Learn how furnace filters help ensure everyone stays safe and warm no matter how low the mercury falls.
How Furnace Filters Work to Keep You Safe
Most people assume the primary job of a filter is to clean the air headed into the furnace to keep pollutants out of the air you breathe. While that’s undeniably important, furnace filters play an even more protective role. They keep contaminants from settling on and damaging critical components.
A coating of dust and debris can corrode the heating equipment, allowing harmful combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide to infiltrate your home. For your safety, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends monthly filter changes during the long winter season.
How Filters Enhance Furnace Efficiency
A dirty filter impedes airflow, forcing your furnace to run for longer cycles to maintain a warmer temperature. The harder the system works, the more money you’ll spend on heating costs. Simply changing your filter each month during the winter can improve efficiency by up to 15%.
How Furnace Filters Safeguard Your Budget
Clogged filters force incoming air to find another entry point. Unfiltered air passing into the system arrives laden with damaging dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Over time, the accumulation of debris invariably leads to breakdowns and unexpected heating repairs. It also shortens the system’s service life, resulting in a premature replacement.
Cleaning the air you breathe, protecting your health, keeping your budget on track — furnace filters rarely get the credit they so richly deserve. They’re part of the regular maintenance required to keep furnaces operating efficiently and effectively. For more information, explore our heating system services or call Herchenbach Mechanical Inc. today.
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