Modern furnaces are complex appliances made of many different parts. All of these parts must work together for your furnace to work as it should. One part that can be overlooked is the air filter.

A dirty air filter might not seem like a big deal, but running your furnace with a dirty filter could cause serious damage and create the need for costly furnace repairs.

Poor Heating Performance

One of the most common reasons homeowners contact a furnace repair professional is a change in the heating performance of their furnace. A dirty filter is often at the root of improper heating. A dirty air filter prevents the flow of air through your furnace system. This causes the furnace to work harder to create the necessary airflow for proper temperature regulation.

If not addressed quickly, poor heating performance could cause your furnace to begin failing. Contact a technician to schedule repairs (including a filter replacement) if you need more consistency from your home's heating system.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil plays an integral role in the heating process. Adequate airflow is needed for the transfer of heat that occurs during a normal heating cycle. As the air moves over the evaporator coil, cool and hot air are exchanged.

If a clogged air filter is preventing air from flowing freely over the evaporator coil, condensation will form ice on the coils. Eventually, this will cause your furnace to overheat. A repair technician can replace the damaged evaporator coil to get your furnace up and running once again.

Poor Air Quality

Your family may experience an increase in respiratory illnesses when the air filter is clogged. A dirty air filter is especially problematic for individuals who suffer from allergies or other respiratory conditions.

The quality of the air inside your home can be compromised by a furnace that isn't running right. A clogged air filter can lead to a buildup of contaminant particles within the furnace. Not only will these contaminants negatively affect your respiratory health, but they can also accelerate corrosion within your furnace. Have an HVAC technician look at your furnace to repair any damage if you notice a decrease in your indoor air quality.

Work with your heating contractor to repair any problems caused by a clogged air filter and to establish a replacement schedule that will help you avoid permanent damage to your heating system in the future.

Contact a local furnace repair contractor to learn more.