An oil furnace that is properly maintained can be expected to last at least 15 years in your Palmetto State home. Changing out your air filter on a regular basis is an excellent way to maximize your system’s efficiency and life span.
In most cases, this should be done at least every three months. However, it’s a good idea to check the filter monthly to see if it needs to be changed or cleaned more often.
Air filters are located either inside the return air vent or in the furnace, and some are designed to be discarded and replaced periodically. Some filters have a plastic frame. If yours does, you can clean and reuse it.
Ultimately, you should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and always turn off the furnace before you do anything with the filter.
If your air filter is clogged, the air has less room to flow through your heating system and then through your home. This means your furnace has to do more work to get the air circulated. Such a lack of efficiency will lead to increased cost, and your home will not be as warm as it could be. You’ll also be dealing with a deterioration of your indoor air quality.
If an air filter is dirty, the furnace has to work harder to get its “regular” job done. The harder your furnace has to work, the more likely it is that its parts will experience wear and tear. This means you’ll be paying for expensive repairs to keep your system up and running, or that you’ll have to upgrade sooner than you hoped.
Taking care of your oil furnace’s air filter regularly can add years to your system’s life.
Learn about the best kind of energy-efficient oilheat system for your home and whether you might be due for a replacement on OilHeatSouthCarolina.com.