October brings cooler nights, closed windows, and the return of furnace season in Michigan. You set the thermostat at 70, hear the furnace start, and wait for the house to warm up.
But it doesn’t. What’s up?
Before assuming you need a major repair, check your furnace filter. A simple replacement could help restore the comfort you’re expecting.
When a filter becomes clogged, air cannot move through the system properly. That restricted airflow can cause the furnace to overheat. Its safety controls may shut off the burners, leading to repeated starts and stops without enough heat reaching your rooms. Continuing to operate this way can put stress on the equipment.
Can’t you just dust it off?
A disposable filter collects particles throughout its material. Brushing dust from the surface does not make it new again. Replace disposable filters; clean reusable filters only as their manufacturer directs.
A fresh, properly selected filter helps protect your heating equipment and capture particles from the air circulating through your home.
Which replacement should you buy?
Start with the correct dimensions. Match the length, width, and thickness required by your filter rack. The replacement should fit securely without being bent or forced into place. A loose fit can allow air to bypass the filter.
Then check the performance rating.
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. A higher rating generally means better capture of smaller airborne particles. But the filter must also allow the airflow your system needs.
Mechanical Extremes’ Harold Wilkes outlines the concern: “if the Merv rating is too high, it can suffocate the furnace.”
The right choice depends on your equipment and filter setup. Thickness alone does not determine which MERV rating is appropriate. Check the manufacturer’s specifications or ask Mechanical Extremes to help select a filter that balances filtration with proper airflow.
How often should you change it?
Make October your starting point, then check the filter monthly during the heating season.
As a general guideline, a one-inch filter may need replacement about every month, while a four-inch filter may last around six months. Follow the recommendations for your particular filter and system. Pets, smoking, dusty conditions, and frequent system use can shorten the interval.
If your thermostat offers a filter reminder, use it. Treat the reminder as a prompt to inspect the filter, since a calendar cannot account for every condition in your home.
If a new filter does not resolve the heating problem, Mechanical Extremes is ready to help. Restricted airflow is one possible cause, and a technician can determine what else needs attention.
Before colder weather settles in, give your furnace a clean start. For help choosing the right filter or scheduling fall maintenance, call Mechanical Extremes at (517) 812-2484.
