Can a Dirty Filter Stop a Furnace From Working?

Professional Services
October 30, 2023

Are your heating system problems leaving you out in the cold? Call Professional Services for furnace maintenance and more!


Can a dirty filter stop a furnace from working properly? Absolutely. Your furnace needs a clean air filter to function optimally and provide your property with the warmth it needs, but there’s more to it than just air filter cleanliness.


The team at Professional Services offers five-star 24/7 furnace repair near me, but you won’t need to call these experts if you’re keeping up with your unit’s maintenance. Although it seems like a small maintenance task, homeowners often neglect to change their furnace filters on time. Here’s why a dirty filter causes so many problems and how to prevent them in the first place.


How Often You Should Change Your Furnace Filter


The recommendations for how often you should change an HVAC filter vary based on filter size and the dust and debris in your home. It also matters how often you use your furnace. Using it daily will mean needing a new filter sooner.


Experts like Professional Services typically recommend examining your furnace’s filter once a month, cleaning or replacing it as necessary. Making furnace filter replacement a priority on your monthly to-do list ensures your unit performs better and churns out better-quality indoor air. 


Why not get some replacement filters to have on hand and keep your system running efficiently?


What Happens When You Leave a Dirty Filter in Your Furnace?


If you want to instantly decrease your furnace efficiency capabilities, don’t swap out old filters. If airflow becomes restricted, your furnace has a harder time heating up your home. The lack of airflow means the air handler has to work much harder to keep up, and the heat exchanger may even turn off because of the inadequate airflow.


A dirty filter in your furnace will generally lead to the following consequences:


  • The furnace can overheat and turn off as a failsafe.
  • Your home won't achieve the warmth or comfort you want.
  • You can severely damage your furnace's internal components.
  • Repair or replacement services will cost more.
  • A dirty air filter could cause a fire as lint and other inflammable material gather.


Overall, your furnace will become less effective and wear down much sooner when it is trying to work through a dirty air filter. A previously efficient unit can fall behind. Thankfully, simply changing the filters in time can get things back on track.


Signs You Have a Clogged Furnace Filter


Is it time to replace your clogged filter? Consider these telltale signs that you should replace it:


Internal Part Failure


Taking care of furnaces and boilers helps them last longer and function better. The internal components fail if you wait to replace the filter because they struggle to work without adequate airflow. If they work hard, they wear themselves down much faster, leading to costly repairs and replacement services. 


Broken parts could mean a major heating appliance malfunction, so don’t wait long to check why your furnace isn’t working efficiently or at all.


Furnace Failure


Can a dirty filter stop a furnace from working? Yes, without this furnace maintenance task of cleaning the filter, your furnace could require a premature replacement. If your maintenance list does not include replacing the filter, you’re risking a lot.


Poor-Quality, Insufficient Heating


A lack of heat is one of the most common heating system problems, but one many people can avoid by swapping out the dirty filter. You can't expect to have a comfortable and warm house without the right amount of airflow.


Working With a Trusted Furnace Professional


Hiring a professional to examine your furnace system can help with the following issues, including clogged furnaces:


  • Check the connections of internal components
  • Replace any broken or damaged parts
  • Remove clogs within the furnace
  • Carefully clean any dirty parts 
  • Address faulty or unsafe wiring
  • Recalibrate the thermostat


At Professional Services, we can perform fast maintenance or repair services to improve your furnace’s outlook. If you’ve reached the point of needing a new system, we can also help with dependable furnace installation services in Port Washington, WI, and the surrounding areas.


Schedule Affordable Furnace Repair Services With Professional Services in Port Washington, WI


Can a dirty filter stop a furnace from working if you’re not using the heating that much? Whether you need answers to these questions or assistance with cleaning your furnace for winter, Professional Services offers you experienced and knowledgeable staff members, superior services, and honest prices.


Book a service appointment in Port Washington, WI—call Professional Services at (262) 218-2636 today.

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