A black furnace filter is a red flag that something could be seriously wrong with your heating system. While it may be that you haven’t changed the filter in a really long time, it could be a sign of more serious problems. We list them below, and what you can do about it.
What causes a furnace filter to turn black?
There are an array of causes, some more alarming than others, including:
- Inadequate combustion air
- Carbon Monoxide
- Mold
Inadequate air supply or carbon monoxide can both cause soot to form. Mould in your home can be a serious health hazard and carbon monoxide can be deadly. Inadequate air supply sometimes happens in tightly sealed houses; carbon monoxide can come from a faulty furnace or an adjacent garage. Be sure to contact a trusted HVAC professional to assess the issue.
Air Filter Replacement and Furnace Maintenance
Your furnace air filter usually needs to be replaced or cleaned every three months. A lot of air (and therefore dust particles) moves through your furnace. As dust and deposits accumulate, your furnace has to work harder and harder to draw air through the filter.
There are several more maintenance tasks that, if completed on a regular basis, help your furnace run more efficiently and add years of life to your system. Even if the filter gets changed, most homeowners don’t have the time or know-how to complete the rest of a furnace maintenance checklist. Let Dows ClimateCare handle it all, so you don’t have to worry.
Problem Prevention with WeCare Protection or Maintenance Plans
A Maintenance Plan is one of the best ways to prevent serious problems like carbon monoxide from a broken furnace. ClimateCare local technicians make sure your heating and cooling system gets the proper care at the right time. Most problems are taken care of before they even start. If ever a repair is required, with a WeCare Protection Plus Plan, there no repair charges, even after hours.
Contact us today to learn more!
