Can a Dirty Furnace Filter Make You Sick?

A dirty furnace filter can have serious consequences for your health. When the filter is clogged, it restricts the airflow and causes the heating and cooling system to work harder than it should. This can lead to a number of physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, chest tightness, and a disorder of cold symptoms. Not only that, but it can also cause an increase in energy bills and put your health at risk.

The air passing through your systems must pass through the filter. If the filter is dirty and full of dust, it will fill your home with dust and allergens. This is especially true for people who have allergies, asthma, or respiratory diseases. Even the lowest level of dust, dirt, or pollen can cause a chain reaction and cause serious health problems.

Clogging problems aren't just experienced with the AC air filter. Even the oven filter faces the same challenge if it is not serviced or replaced regularly. So yes, having a dirty oven filter can make you sick. Not sure which filter is best for you? See our guide on selecting oven filters and determining the correct MERV rating. Often, reliable energy bills that experience a sudden increase, especially in the winter months, are a sign that oven filters are dirty.

If you spend too much time cleaning during the winter, a dirty oven filter is likely to blame. Your oven filters separate dust and other dirt particles from the air circulating in your home. They are also able to send your home's air conditioning system or boiler to an early grave on their own, if not replaced every one to three months. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent these health risks from dirty air filters. It's important to replace your furnace filter regularly to ensure that your home's air quality is not compromised.

This will help keep your heating and cooling system running efficiently and reduce your energy bills.