Canton to Alpharetta: Why a Dirty Furnace Filter Can Cost You Big
What Every Alpharetta Homeowner Should Know About Furnace Filters
Hi, I’m David Lelak, certified home inspector with IHI Home Inspections, proudly serving Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, and Woodstock, GA. One issue I come across all the time during inspections? A dirty furnace filter—and it’s more serious than you might think.
If your HVAC system isn’t running efficiently, it could be costing you hundreds in energy bills, and worse—compromising your indoor air quality and your family’s health.
Why a Dirty Furnace Filter Is More Than Just Dust
When your furnace filter gets clogged, it puts a massive strain on your system. And that one small filter? It could be the reason you’re calling for a $1,200 HVAC repair next month.
What I See During Alpharetta Home Inspections:
Restricted airflow → system overworks → higher energy bills
Dirty ducts → dust and dander recirculation → allergy and asthma triggers
Strained blower motors → premature failure
Shortened HVAC lifespan → costly full replacements
This is especially important for families with kids or pets in Alpharetta, where indoor air quality can quietly affect everyday life.
When Should You Replace Your Furnace Filter
Here’s the guideline I give to my clients across North Metro Atlanta, especially those in Alpharetta and Woodstock:
Standard Filters (1-inch thick): Every 30–60 days
High-efficiency pleated filters: Every 60–90 days
Pets, allergies, or new construction dust? Swap filters every 30 days
👀 Quick Tip: Hold your filter up to the light. If you can’t see through it—it’s already affecting airflow.
Common Signs It's Time For a New Filter
If you live in Alpharetta, Cumming, or Canton and you notice these, schedule a filter check immediately:
Sudden spike in your power bill
Rooms taking longer to heat or cool
Increased dust around vents or furniture
Sneezing or congestion inside your home
A humming or rattling HVAC unit
How to Change Your Furnace Filter (DIY - Friendly)
During inspections, I often walk Alpharetta homeowners through this simple process:
Turn off your HVAC system
Locate the filter compartment
Remove the old filter, note the size
Insert a new filter, arrow facing the airflow direction
Power the system back on and breathe easy!
📌 Pro Tip: Keep a reminder in your phone or calendar. Filter changes are easy to forget—but critical.
Don't Stop at the Filter: Get a Full System Check
Changing the filter is just one step. A full home inspection in Alpharetta or Woodstock can reveal:
Hidden leaks in ductwork
Insulation issues in the attic
Mold risk in the HVAC system
Electrical overloads affecting the HVAC unit
If you’ve got kids, pets, or asthma in the household, ask me about adding Indoor Air Quality Testing through our 5-Star Protection Package.
Why IHI Home Inspections Is Alpharetta's Trusted Inspected
🏆 19+ years inspecting homes in Alpharetta, Canton, Woodstock, and Cumming
📷 Reports delivered next-day with clear photos and action steps
🛠️ Optional services: Mold Testing, Infrared Scans, Radon Testing
👨👩👧👦 We’ve helped thousands of Georgia families protect their homes
Areas We Serve:
🏡 Alpharetta, GA
🏡 Canton, GA
🏡 Cumming, GA
🏡 Woodstock, GA
...and homes across Cherokee, Fulton, and Forsyth County
Schedule Your Furnace & Home Inspection Today
Your filter might be the smallest part of your HVAC system—but it could be the most important.
Let me help you protect your investment, avoid future repairs, and keep your home running safely and efficiently.
📞 Call IHI Home Inspections at 404-788-2581
🔗 Book Online Now
