Why Changing Your Furnace Air Filter is Crucial

for Your HVAC System

If you’re a homeowner in the Detroit Metro area—whether in Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County, or beyond—one of the simplest yet most important things you can do to maintain your HVAC system is regularly change your furnace air filter. It’s a small task with a big impact on your home’s comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency.

Why It Matters

Your furnace air filter plays a crucial role in keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. It traps dust, pet dander, pollen, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating through your home and clogging up your system. When a filter becomes too dirty, it restricts airflow, which can lead to several issues:

• Reduced indoor air quality
• Increased energy bills
• Overworked HVAC system
• Shortened furnace lifespan

In fact, neglecting your filter can eventually require more intensive services like air duct cleaning and ventilation cleaning to remove the buildup of dust and debris that has accumulated throughout the system.

How Often Should You Change It?

In Michigan, where heating systems are heavily used in the winter, you should check your furnace filter every 1 to 2 months during peak usage. If you have pets, allergies, or live in a particularly dusty area of Macomb, Oakland, or Wayne County, you may need to replace it even more frequently.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Change Your Furnace Filter

Changing your air filter is quick and easy. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn Off Your Furnace
   For safety, always turn off the power to your furnace before changing the filter.
2. Locate the Filter
   It’s usually found in the blower compartment, near the return air duct or inside the air handler.
3. Remove the Old Filter
   Slide it out and check its size. The dimensions are usually printed on the filter frame (e.g., 16x25x1).
4. Insert the New Filter
   Make sure the arrows on the filter frame point in the direction of the airflow—toward the furnace.
5. Turn the System Back On
   Power it up and enjoy better airflow and cleaner air!

Don’t Forget About Air Duct and Ventilation Cleaning

Changing your furnace filter is a great first step, but it doesn’t address the entire HVAC system. Over time, dirt and debris can still accumulate inside your ductwork. That’s why many homeowners in Detroit Metro, including those in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne County, schedule periodic air duct cleaning and ventilation cleaning to keep their systems clean and efficient.  Call Safety King Air Duct Cleaning at 1-800-AIR-DUCT to speak to Michigan’s most experienced NADCA certified professionals. 

Taking care of your furnace air filter is a small habit that makes a big difference. If you’re not already changing it regularly, now is the time to start. Your home (and your lungs) will thank you!