At the start of the cold weather season in Edmonton we receive so many calls for furnace not working.  Often times we found that some of this calls would have been prevented if the furnace filter was replaced regularly.

According to our lease agreement, tenants are required to replace the furnace filters in the property, however the landlord is responsible to ensure that the heating wiring and plumbing in the property works. So often times this can become a challenge to determine if the furnace needs repair because of a faulty part or a furnace filter not replaced.

Why is it important to replace furnace filters?

1. Extend the life of the furnace. The most common reason a furnace breaks down is because of a dirty filter. As dirt accumulates, air can't pass, or worse, the system overheats. The motor then has to work harder. In a best-case scenario, your unit will need to be repaired. In the worst case, if your unit is older, not replacing filters could put it over the edge and require you to buy a new one. Replacing the filter is an easy way to lengthen the life of your furnace.
2. Keep low energy costs. When that clogged air filter is working harder, more energy is being used. And when it requires more energy to make your furnace work, it causes your energy bill to skyrocket. When you consistently change your air filter, you can save from 5 to 15 percent on your heating costs.
3. Health and Air Quality. This is particularly important if anyone suffers from allergies or asthma. Dirty air filters worsen the air quality and can exacerbate symptoms. If there are pets, it's even more important because pet dander will accumulate in the system and then spread allergens throughout the household. It's an easy fix to replace your filter and prevent air quality from deteriorating.
4. Keep the system clean. Dirt clogged up in the filter can lead to polluting the entire furnace system. That means extra repairs, service and parts that you had not budgeted for or were planning on.
5. Peace of mind. Replacing your filter is an easy, inexpensive step to take to save money, extend the life of your system and improve your indoor air quality. It also decreases the amount of energy being consumed.

In addition to changing your filter every 3 months, it's important to get a furnace tune-up and regular maintenance at the start of the winter season. You should get a technician to check electrical connections, examine the unit for fire hazards, make sure the unit is free of carbon monoxide, examine and calibrate the thermostat and make sure the system is in shape to work hard for the cold winter ahead.