Will a Dirty Filter Keep the Furnace From Working

A dirty air filter can quickly cause problems with a furnace, eventually leading to a complete system shutdown if the issue is ignored for too long. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the signs, risks, and solutions of a dirty furnace filter and explain why this simple maintenance task is essential to helping you avoid furnace repairs.

Common Signs of a Clogged Furnace Filter

First, let’s explore the most common clogged furnace filter symptoms for homeowners to be on the lookout for:

High energy costs

A subtle but important sign of a dirty furnace air filter is noticing an increase in utility costs with no change in usage. This indicates that your system has to work harder to achieve the same heating result, often due to a clogged filter obstructing airflow into the system.

Reduced air quality

Another telltale sign that you need to change your HVAC filter is if you’re noticing decreased indoor air quality (IAQ) in your space. This might mean excessive dust accumulating in the home, worsening allergy or asthma symptoms, or debris buildup on HVAC duct vents.

Poor airflow

If you feel little to no airflow from HVAC vents when the furnace is running, it means there’s an obstruction. While duct clogs can also cause this, a clogged furnace filter is a common culprit for the issue.

Short-cycling

If a dirty filter is preventing the furnace from getting proper airflow, it may repeatedly switch on and off without ever getting your home to the desired temperature. This is known as short-cycling, and allowing the system to continue running this way puts a major strain on its components.

Strange odors

If you smell musty, dusty, or burning odors while running your furnace, its air filter may be to blame. Dust makes a unique smell when it gets too hot, which makes this a likely symptom of an overly dirty filter.

Poor heating performance

In general, if you’re noticing reduced heating while running your system, your air filter should be the first thing you check. A clogged filter can cause hot and cold spots in the home, weak airflow, or stop your space from ever fully heating up.

What Happens When the Furnace Filter Is Dirty

The air filter is responsible for stopping dust and debris from entering your heater via the air intake. If the filter gets too clogged, it restricts airflow to your furnace, forcing it to work harder to heat your home. This leads to higher energy consumption, weak airflow from HVAC ducts, and excess wear and tear on the system’s components. 

How Often Should You Replace Your Furnace Filter in Indiana?

While different furnaces have different specifications for filter replacement, it’s generally recommended to replace or clean your filter every 30 to 90 days during the system’s operating season. 

In general, replacing HVAC filters helps your systems run more efficiently and reduces the likelihood of common furnace issues, such as water leaks around the furnace when using your air conditioner, a frozen furnace, or even a complete system shutdown when you need it most.

How to Check and Replace a Dirty Furnace Filter

Now that we understand the importance of changing your furnace’s filter regularly, how do you actually do it? Here are the steps to handle this important task yourself:

• Step 1: At your circuit breaker panel, shut off the power to the furnace.
• Step 2: Access your furnace and find the filter access panel, which is usually near the blower cabinet or the cold air return duct.
• Step 3: Slide the old filter out, taking note of the filter’s type, size, and the direction of the airflow arrow.
• Step 4: Discard your old filter.
• Step 5: Slide the new filter into the panel, making sure the airflow arrow is pointed the right way.
• Step 6: Close the filter access panel.
• Step 7: Restore power to your furnace, turn on the system, and test it to make sure the filter is working properly.

While this is a fairly straightforward process, we know it can be a hassle for busy homeowners with a million other things to do. That’s why so many homeowners count on Dugan Air and our comprehensive heating maintenance program, which ensures your system receives the service it needs regularly, eliminating the hassle of scheduling or remembering to book your appointment every year. We offer these plans across our entire service area, including in Indianapolis, Greenwood, Center Grove, and Nineveh.

How Dugan Air Keeps Your Furnace Running Smoothly

Our team is here to help with every part of furnace maintenance and care, whether it’s a simple task like air filter replacement or more in-depth diagnostics of a malfunctioning system. Whether your furnace troubles are big or small, count on the pros at Dugan Air to get your system running smoothly once more. Contact us to schedule your furnace maintenance appointment today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dirty filter cause the furnace to stop blowing heat?

Yes, a dirty air filter will eventually prevent your furnace from blowing heat entirely. Once the filter is completely clogged, your furnace won’t be able to take in air, preventing it from heating your space.

Can a clogged filter damage my system?

Running a furnace with a clogged filter causes excess wear and tear on the components, which can eventually lead to damage. Replace your filter regularly so you don’t have to replace your furnace.

Why does my filter get dirty so fast?

If your filter gets dirty very quickly (less than a month), it means there’s too much dust and debris in the air. You may be able to offset the issue by investing in air purification and other indoor air quality solutions.

What should I do if replacing the filter doesn’t fix the issue?

If replacing your furnace filter doesn’t fix the issues you’re facing, it’s time to call in the pros. An HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect the system and make the necessary repairs to address your issues at the source.