With the cold upon us, it's a button push away to change a cold and uncomfortable indoor environment into a cozy home. The only catch is that it comes at a hefty heating cost. Half of your home's energy use comes from heating.
A five-minute task can tip the scale toward savings. Checking your furnace air filter every 30-days, especially in the cooler, winter months, is a must. Your filters may only need a change once every 90-days months, depending on use, pets, allergies, environment, and insulation efficiency. But getting in the habit of frequent checks is a cost-cutting habit worth adopting.
Reasons Why Winter Demands More Furnace Filter Changes
Your Heating System Works Overtime in Winter
During the cold months, your natural gas furnace is working harder than normal (25% of the time) to keep temperatures around a comfortable, livable level. It's great to have a sealed, air-tight home for furnace efficiency and warmth. The potential downside, however, is that air-tight homes trap more particles for your air filter to catch. Changing your filters will ensure a healthy heating system.
It is said that humans can spend 90% of their time indoors. It makes sense to filter that air for us and our family's protection.
Simple math: Clogged filter = restricted airflow = higher gas bill
The Most Efficient and Cost-Effective Winter Filter Schedule
How Often to Change Your Furnace Filter in Winter
Wintertime means windows and doors are shut tight for long durations, which results in no outside air flow. It's logical to think critically about what kind of attention to give your filters. Keeping a consistent furnace filter change schedule every 30-90 days will help with this seasonal demand. Many recommend a tighter schedule, not stretching it to more than 45 days. The reason is that a homeowner can put more stress on their system, which calls for due diligence.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing a dirty air filter with a clean one can reduce HVAC energy use by about 5% to 15%.
A visual check for your filters is a simple first step. Simply confirm if you can see through your filters. If so, the air filters are good. If it's questionable, halfway dirty, you will want to replace your furnace filter. Keep in mind that winter is the most insulated season of the year. Restricted air leaves no other place for the dirty particles to go once the filter has reached its limit.
Quick household guide:
- Pets/allergies: 30 days
- Standard home: 45 days
- Light use: 60 days
What Dirty Filters Cost You
The Real Price of Skipping Filter Changes
With your clogged filter operating at 15% less efficiency, you have potential for a 15% higher heating costs. A dirty air filter is the most common cause of full system HVAC failure.
Simple math example:
- Clean filter: $150/month
- Dirty filter: $180/month
- Winter waste: $30 x 4 months
A low-efficiency furnace can cost a homeowner more in the long run. HVAC repairs start at $600 and can go up to $7,000. It can cost $10,000 for a new gas furnace system or more. The moral of the story is to check your air filter every month to avoid any huge emergency expenses that may pop up at any moment.
Choosing the Right Winter Filter for Your Home Needs
You can have a great system, but if you have a cheap furnace air filter, all that great engineering turns into an expensive liability quickly. Choosing between the options listed below and replacing your furnace filter will keep you in good hands:
Best Furnace Filters for Winter Efficiency
-
MERV 8: Budget option, change monthly
-
MERV 11: Best value, 45-day changes
- MERV 13: Maximum protection, check monthly (check system compatibility)
It's crucial to keep up on these four main tasks: filter inspections monthly, the correct MERV rating for your heating equipment, system-specific maintenance (goes beyond just your air filter), and performance monitoring. If you notice a spike on your bill, that may be a sign from your HVAC telling you it needs attention in one of these categories.
Winter Filter Maintenance Tips
The government efficiency program recommends monthly furnace filter checks during heavy use months (winter and summer), warning that dirty filters slow airflow, waste energy, and lead to expensive maintenance or early home heating failures.
5 Habits That Cut Winter Heating Costs
- Stock 3-4 filters before winter hits
- Check the filter on the 1st of every month
- Inspect after major cold snaps
- Write the change date on the filter frame
- Pair with smart thermostat settings
The truth is, you can save money on your energy system if you maintain your equipment. Requiring regular filter cleaning and replacement in furnaces for optimal health.
Quick Filter Change Guide
This quick task can save you thousands of dollars, guaranteed!!
How to Replace Your Furnace Filter (In 5 Minutes)
Do The Following:
- Turn off the furnace first
- Find the air filter in the furnace (return vent/cabinet)
- Check the arrow direction on the new filter
- Note the size before buying replacements
- Dispose of old filter - replace furnace filter
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Furnace Filters
How often should I change my furnace filter in winter?
A: Change your furnace filter every 30 to 45 days in winter. Heating runs more in cold weather, so filters clog faster than the 90-day rule. Homes with pets or allergies should be changed every 30 days.
Can a dirty furnace filter increase my heating bill?
A: Yes. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder and waste energy. That can raise heating costs, especially if your furnace is running long cycles.
What MERV rating is best for winter heating efficiency?
A: MERV 11 is a strong balance of filtration and airflow for many homes. If airflow seems restricted, use MERV 8 or follow your furnace manual's recommendation.
Will a cheap furnace filter work in winter?
A: Basic fiberglass filters catch fewer particles and can clog faster. A quality pleated filter typically lasts longer and supports better filtration with steadier airflow.
What happens if I do not change my furnace filter in winter?
A: Airflow drops, the system strains, and comfort suffers. Over time, buildup can contribute to higher energy use and maintenance issues.
Where is the air filter in my furnace located?
A: Most filters sit either inside the furnace cabinet near the blower or behind a return air grille on a wall or ceiling. Check your manual if you cannot find it.
Conclusion
A clogged furnace filter can compromise your winter comfort. Replacing filters consistently ensures peak efficiency and lowers energy bills while maintaining consistent temperatures throughout your home.
By reducing system strain, you also extend your furnace's lifespan and prevent costly breakdowns. Stay ahead of the cold and stock up now for the whole season.
Shop winter furnace filters in all sizes!