Furnace Filters

What do furnace filters have to do with carbon monoxide?

Nothing really.

This is my chance to provide a public service announcement.

Good filters, dirty filters, no filters ... have no affect on whether your furnace will produce carbon monoxide.  However, they can have a profound affect on your overall wellbeing and equipment life.

Effects of Dirty Air Filters

During Winter:

• Causes reduced air flow. 
• Causes furnace to discharge higher than normal air temperature. 
• Cause an abnormal temperature rise across the heat exchanger. 
• Could cause stress cracks in the heat exchanger, singed wiring and a number of other issues. 
• Decrease system efficiency by increasing the heat-loss of the duct work. 
• Allows dirt accumulation on air-conditioning coil. 

During Summer:

• Causes reduced air flow.
• Can cause air-conditioning coil to form ice or freeze up completely.
• Can lead to "liquid slugging" at the compressor.
• Can lead to un-even cooling between rooms.
• Can cause ducts to sweat.
• Greatly decreases system efficiency.
• Increases operating costs.
• Allows dirt accumulation on air-conditioning coil.

Once dirt accumulates on the air-conditioning coil, system capacity is reduced and eventually the air-conditioner stops working.

So - don't be a forgetful home owner -- change your air filters at least every three (3) months. Change them every month for optimum efficiency.