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After that crazy snow storm and cold snap here in Indianapolis, we all appreciate just how important our furnaces are. Without them humming away, things can get unpleasant in a hurry. So to make sure your furnace is always in tip-top shape, there is one critical thing you must do. Even if you do nothing else for your furnace (except scheduling your annual heating check, of course), make sure that you regularly change your filter.

How often you need to change your filter depends. Some filters need changed once every month. Some can go three, six or even a full 12 months before they need to be replaced. Still others have washable, reusable filters. Check your manufacturer's instructions to be sure, but change your filter as directed. Here's why it's so critical to the health of your furnace and your home:

Dirty Filters Strain Your Furnace

A filter is the gateway between your furnace and the rest of your home. All heated air must pass through that furnace before it reaches your ductwork. When your furnace gets clogged with dust, dirt and other particles, there isn't as much room for air to flow through. That means the air has to be pushed harder to reach its destination, which in turn means the entire system has to work harder to shove it through the filter. The end result is a higher energy bill and more wear-and-tear on your furnace. In some extreme cases, it can cause your furnace to overheat and even fail entirely. The small investment of buying new filters is always less expensive than buying a whole new furnace.

Dirty Filters Strain Your Lungs

Besides helping your furnace work better, filters help you work better. They screen out dust, pollen and pet hair that can cause allergies, make asthma worse and are just unpleasant to be around. When your filter is clogged, pieces of those allergens can be pushed through into your living space. If you or your children have allergies or other breathing problems, a dirty filter can make breathing much, much more difficult.

If you're not sure how to change your filter or what sort of replacement filters you need, check with the literature on your furnace, or call us. We'll be happy to help you take this one crucial step to furnace health.

Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, carries a full line of high efficiency furnaces. Contact us to recommend the best services to your home