Changing the air filter in your heating and cooling system is arguable one of the most important tasks you can do to maintain a healthy HVAC system. They filter pollen, dust, pet dander and other small particles and pollutants out of the air that you and your family breathe. A clogged furnace filter causes your system to work harder than necessary to make up for the blockage of airflow. This results in increased energy consumption, higher energy bills, more frequent repairs, and often times a shorter lifespan for your system.
Another issue with dirty furnace filters is the contribution to unhealthy indoor air. The dust and allergens that are usually filtered get re-circulated into your home. This can be especially troublesome for those who suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma, as well as those who have allergies. Replacing dirty air filters not only contributes to excellent indoor air quality, according to energy.gov, it can also lower your system’s energy consumption by up to 15%.
Many HVAC companies will change the filter during your annual furnace tuneup, but if you’ve opted to change out the filter yourself, you may be wondering what the color of the dirty filter means. Sometimes, with furnace filters in particular, darker shades can appear and cause alarm. If you’re changing your own filter it’s essential to know whether or not you should call a trained technician to assess your furnace.
My Furnace Filter is White
Regardless of what type of filter you have, most of the time, when you first purchase your filter, it will be white. If your filter is still white, you can wait a bit longer before replacing it.
Light Gray
When a light gray color appears on your filter, it’s doing its job. Some debris has built up, and you can change your filter at your earliest convenience.
Brown
In most cases, the brown residue accumulating on your filter is from household dust, pet dander and other airborne particles. It can also be caused by tobacco smoke, and traces of cooking grease and oil.
Dark Gray
If your filter is dark gray, it’s time to change it. A dark gray filter is only cause for concern if you’ve noticed that you need to change your filter more frequently than in the past.
Oh No, My Furnace Filter is Black
If your filter is black, this can potentially be a sign of a more serious issue. Please consult a professional right away. A black filter can be caused by candle smoke, soot from fireplaces or it can indicate that black mold is growing due to humidity and condensation in or around the furnace. Another cause of black filters is carbon monoxide which poses health risks and, in extreme cases, death. Test your carbon monoxide levels yourself or, more ideally, hire someone to perform an indoor air quality test on your home.
If your question isn’t answered here, contact the Pierce Refrigeration team, and one of our experts will guide you in finding your solution.
Need 24-7 emergency service? Looking for advice on improving your everyday air quality and comfort at home and at work? Contact the friendly staff at Pierce Refrigeration at 800-696-1088.