Furnace Filter Question

[Doombard]

So today I had some HVAC people come out and clean all of our vents. When he was done he told me that I should go out and get a furnace filter since there wasn't one in at all. We've been living in house for about 1.5 years now so I'm wondering could there be any damage to my furnace for not having a filter in for that long? He offered to clean and sanitize my furnace (for $140) but I declined. Inside was a little dusty but I figured I could clean that out myself.

[Darus Grey]

Generally you should change furnace filters a couple times every year, that said, not having one at all is less dangerous than having one you never clear(they have the potential to light up and clog the air-intake).

The purpose is to keep the fan and the coil from getting dirty, just like say a computer, too much dust and the fans start working harder etc. You could easily lose 20-30% efficiency on your furnace by not having a filter on for a long time.

That said it's easy(enough) to clean, so clean your damn furnace and put in a filter, you're throwing away money.

[izembo]

generally you replace one every 3 months, itll make your air a little cleaner in the end too

[Olo401]

I'm assuming you have an oil furnace? They do put out soot just like other non-propane furnace. That can't possibly be good for anyone's breathing.

[SephYuyX]

If you dont have a filter, and your furnace has a receptacle for one, yes, get one. All modern day (and much older even) furnaces use filters, but chances are theres no damage done. You may have been breathing in some slightly worse air, and your vents may be 'dusty', but unless youre willing to get the whole thing cleaned (furnace and ALL the ducts), it's kind of pointless just to clean the furnace itself.

There are people who dont use filters because it does lessen the abount of airflow through the ducts, but it's generally a better idead to have a filter, at least get a cheap thin filter.

[Pikarya]

If you have pets, then yes its an absolute must. I'm sure on modern systems you could get away with it. But most basic filters by 3M start at $6.00 bucks. You wont be breaking bank.

Also, if you're uber cheap. Just blow the dust and debris off with a can of compressed air or something.

[Jaybar]

There are like four different types of filters. The cheapest ones (they look like blue fiber) you can get away with, but they suck, and need to be replaced every month. The pleated filters will be your best bang for your buck. I think that's what Pika is talking about. You don't need to get microallergen filters or meshed filters because those are actually detrimental to a home furnace (causes your fan to work much harder and can possibly burn it out).

[Tharen]

You need a filter. Your filter cleans the air that is put throughout the house and cleans the air that is returned to the furnace.

Don't listen to Jaybar he doesn't know what he's talking about. They don't make a filter that is bad for your furnace, the only time the blower would work overtime because of a filter is when it is clogged. I just had a aprilaire microallergen filter installed and paid $250 for it. Don't regret it at all.

OP: From what you're saying and how much you paid to have your duct work cleaned, they didn't do a good job. I'm guessing they just used shop vacs and cleaned what they could only reach. A "real" duct work cleaning is anywhere from 600-800. They come in and drill holes and clean every part of the duct system, not just use a shop vac at the vents. What is the make and model of your furnace and how old? All the info should be right on the inside of the door.

[izembo]

do you have really bad allergies that you paid $250 for an air filter?

[Tharen]

do you have really bad allergies that you paid $250 for an air filter?

My son has asthma and allergies pretty bad, so yeah. $250 is nothing if it's going to help out some, especially if it's for my kids.

[izembo]

yeah, i figured as much, its just not something i would recommend for everyone

[Jak]

I know you have to be careful with some expensive filters that are too thick. They have a tendency to actually do more harm than good due to restricted air flow.

We've had to go to many a service call (I work for a heating & air company, secretary though.. not a service tech) where all we did was end up switching out their nice thick $100 filter for a nice cheap $3 filter and problem solved.

That really has nothing to do with your problem, but just throwing that out there. :>

[Tharen]

I know you have to be careful with some expensive filters that are too thick. They have a tendency to actually do more harm than good due to restricted air flow.

We've had to go to many a service call (I work for a heating & air company, secretary though.. not a service tech) where all we did was end up switching out their nice thick $100 filter for a nice cheap $3 filter and problem solved.

That really has nothing to do with your problem, but just throwing that out there. :>

The furnaces that happens to I bet are the cheaper models. With furnaces you get what you pay for. I just had my buddy put a Trane in for me and I could tell the difference within the first couple hours after I fired it up.

[vagus]

Most modern day furnace will use filters. Filter replacement are quite cheap and easily installed. If you want to take the next step, buy an electrostatic furnace filter. Static charge destroys particles.

[Jak]

Ugh, Trane is harder to find parts for around where I live. It's all about Ruud/Rheem here.

But yah, you get what you pay for is exactly right. Around here most people can't afford the most energy efficient systems so a majority of the systems are mediocre or just old and can't handle the thicker filters.

I will reiterate what others have said so.. if you buy a cheap one make sure you replace the filter every 3~ months! That's only $12.00 a year and could save you hundreds of dollars down the road in maintenance and cleaning.

[Tharen]

Ugh, Trane is harder to find parts for around where I live. It's all about Ruud/Rheem here.

But yah, you get what you pay for is exactly right. Around here most people can't afford the most energy efficient systems so a majority of the systems are mediocre or just old and can't handle the thicker filters.

I will reiterate what others have said so.. if you buy a cheap one make sure you replace the filter every 3~ months! That's only $12.00 a year and could save you hundreds of dollars down the road in maintenance and cleaning.

I don't have to worry about finding parts for the next five years, five year labor warranty, until then I'm good.

[Jak]

It'll break in 5 years and 1 day guaranteed.

[Tharen]

It'll break in 5 years and 1 day guaranteed.

5 year labor warranty, 10 year on all parts through Trane and lifetime on the exchanger. I'm good.

[jameshenry]

Furnace filter is required to be changed at regular intervals if they are of inferior quality. But if it is HEPA filter it is to be washed at regular interval to make it clean and after five years, it require changing. Persons called by you and the information they provided you is correct. They are charging about their labor charges. And if you can yourself change it, then nothing best as it will save your money and only filter charges you have to pay.