Why is my Furnace Filter Black Buyers Inspection Services January 11, 2023

Why is my Furnace Filter Black

7 things to inspect before the big freeze

Why Is My Furnace Filter Black?

You will need to make sure that your furnace is in good condition. You will also need to inspect your furnace, like your AC unit. If your furnace isn’t properly maintained, you can get severe damage. It is essential to understand how your furnace filters can become black. Why is my furnace filter turning black? Carbon monoxide (CO), which can accumulate, can cause a clog in your furnace filter.
Filter obstruction is the accumulation of debris, which can be dangerous for your health. Your furnace will eventually fail because of poor airflow or reduced efficiency. Let’s take a closer look at what all this means.

What does it do?

The furnace filter collects all dirt and debris from your heating system. Regularly replace the furnace filter, and it is crucial to replace it before it becomes black. A brown furnace filter is an ordinary sign that it is time to replace it.

What is the Cause of My Black Furnace Filter?

A furnace filter can turn black for a variety of reasons. Let's take a closer look at these causes.
  1. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. It can cause soot to build up in your heating system. The soot gets trapped in the furnace filter. As a result, soot is usually a black residue. You should know that carbon monoxide gas can escape from gas-powered appliances close to a neighbor’s garage. This could cause your furnace filter to become clogged with carbon monoxide.
  2. Mold can grow from condensation on your air conditioner unit. Mold thrives in moist areas and takes little time to develop. The spores will then be blown through your furnace and air conditioner once the black mold has grown. The furnace filter becomes black from the black mold trapped there.
  3. Soot – soot formed in your furnace has minimal places to go. The soot will usually stick to your HVAC system’s walls. The soot will often fly through your home if the stove is turned off and the heat is blown through it. The furnace filter traps the soot, creating a black filter.
  4. Dirty filter – As the filter gets cloudier, it will collect more dirt and debris from the air ducts. Dirty filters can slow the furnace’s efficiency and cause soil and debris to build up. You might notice a considerable amount of dirt and debris in the furnace’s system the next time it is run. This could lead to a darkened furnace filter.
  5. Blockage of the Vents – Your furnace’s filter will become black if it blocks. Black emissions and leaks could cause your furnace to stop working correctly, leading to a clogged filter.

What is the cost of this product?

The cost of a furnace filter will depend on what type you choose. The national average price of a furnace filter is between $10 and $50, depending on the make/model of the furnace.

Recommendations for Maintenance

It could smell like it's burning when you turn on your heat for the first time, and this could be due to dust on the evaporator coils or HVAC belts. It may be necessary to contact a professional. You might also see soot on your wall. This is "ghosting" and can be caused by burning candles, dirty door mats, drafty windows, doors, or other factors. Once you have identified the cause, you can wipe the walls down and apply paint to the areas you cannot erase.
When temperatures cool down, don't let cold air blow out. Instead, heat your heater. The pilot light on your heater might not work if it blows cold air.

When should you call a professional?

Call a professional if you experience any problems with your HVAC system. A homeowner can change the filter if it is simple. If you have more severe issues than the filter, an HVAC contractor licensed by the state will be needed.
You can call your local home inspector team to help decide who to choose. They will inspect your HVAC system and recommend a reliable HVAC contractor.

Conclusion

Repairs can be costly when your furnace or AC unit stops working. It is essential to hire the right HVAC company. A contractor with little or no experience in HVAC problems is not the right choice. Contact your local home inspector team.
They will inspect your HVAC system and make recommendations for possible repairs. You will have a list to hand before an HVAC contractor visits your home to sell you parts you don't need.