When winter settles into Wichita, your furnace becomes one of the hardest-working systems in your home. As it runs more frequently to keep your family warm, one small component plays a big role in its performance — your furnace filter.
Many homeowners don’t realize that winter conditions often require more frequent filter changes. A clogged or dirty filter can restrict airflow, increase energy bills, strain your system, and even lead to premature wear and unexpected repairs. The good news? Replacing your furnace filter is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to protect your heating system.
At Fenix Heating & Cooling, we help Wichita homeowners keep their systems running efficiently all winter long. In this blog, we’ll explain how often you should replace your furnace filter during the winter months, what factors may affect that schedule, and how to tell when it’s time for a change.
What Does a Furnace Filter Do?
Your furnace filter does more than just keep dust out of the air. Its main jobs include:
- Trapping dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne particles
- Protecting internal furnace components from buildup
- Allowing proper airflow through the system
When the filter is clean, air moves freely and your furnace operates as designed. When it’s dirty, airflow becomes restricted and that’s when problems start.
How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter in Winter?
For most homes, the general recommendation is every 1 to 3 months during the heating season. However, winter usage patterns can push filters toward the shorter end of that range.
In Wichita and surrounding areas, furnaces may cycle on and off more frequently during cold fronts, which can load filters faster than expected. The type of filter you use can also affect its lifespan. For example, a typical 1” filter will usually need to be replaced every 1 to 3 months, while a 5” filter can last upward of 9 to 12 months before it needs to be replaced.
A good rule of thumb is to check your filter once a month and replace it as soon as it looks dirty and clogged. If you can’t see light through the filter when you hold it up, it’s time for a replacement.
Factors that Affect How Often You Should Change Your Filter
Every home is different and several factors can shorten or extend filter life.
Pets in the Home
Homes with cats or dogs typically need more frequent filter changes. Pet hair and dander can clog filters quickly, especially during winter when windows stay closed. If you have pets, consider replacing filters every 30 to 45 days.
Allergies or Respiratory Sensitivities
If anyone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, cleaner air is especially important during winter. For improved indoor air quality, replace your filter monthly.
Type of Furnace Filter
Not all filters are created equally.
- Fiberglass filters: Every 30 days
- Pleated filters: Every 60 to 90 days
- High-efficiency (HEPA-style) filters: As recommended by your HVAC technician
Higher-efficiency filters trap more particles but may need more frequent replacement depending on system design.
Home Size and Occupancy
Larger homes and homes with more occupants circulate more air, which can fill filters faster.
Why Winter Filter Changes Matter More Than You Think
Skipping or delaying filter changes in winter can have a bigger impact than many homeowners realize.
A dirty filter forces your furnace to work harder to pull air through the system. This reduces efficiency and increases energy use, leading to higher utility bills during the heating system. There may also be increased wear on furnace components. Restricted airflow puts added stress on blower motors, heat exchangers, and electrical components. Over time, this extra strain can shorten your furnace’s lifespan.
If airflow is limited, your furnace may struggle to deliver warm air evenly throughout your home. This often shows up as cold rooms, weak airflow from vents, or longer heating cycles.
Can a Dirty Filter Cause Furnace Breakdowns?
Yes, dirty filters are one of the most common causes of winter furnace problems. When airflow is restricted, the furnace can overheat, safety switches may shut the system down, and components may fail prematurely.
Many “no heat” service calls in Wichita are solved by simply replacing a clogged filter. It’s a small step that can prevent big headaches.
What About Indoor Air Quality in Winter?
During winter, homes stay sealed up to keep warm. That means less fresh air coming in and more indoor pollutants circulating. Regular filter changes help reduce dust and pet dander, pollen and mold spores, and irritants that affect breathing comfort.
Clean filters support healthier indoor air, which is especially important when windows remain closed for long periods.
How to Choose the Right Furnace Filter
Choosing the right filter is just as important as changing it on time.
Understanding MERV Ratings
Filters are rated using the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) scale, which typically ranges from 1 to 13+.
- MERV 1 – 4: Offers basic filtration (e.g. fiberglass filters)
- MERV 5 – 8: Offers standard filtration (ideal for most homes)
- MERV 9 – 12: Offers enhanced filtration (great for homes with pets or allergies)
- MERV 13+: Offers highly efficient filters (for health-conscious households)
Using a filter that’s too restrictive can cause airflow problems. If you’re unsure, a local HVAC professional can recommend the right option for your system.
How to Change Your Furnace Filter
Changing your filter is usually quick and easy:
1. Turn off the furnace
2. Locate the filter slot (often near the return duct or blower)
3. Remove the old filter
4. Insert the new filter with airflow arrows pointing correctly
5. Turn the system back on
Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder to check it monthly during winter.
Signs Your Furnace Filter Needs Immediate Replacement
Don’t wait for your next scheduled check if you notice:
- Weak airflow from vents
- Increased dust around the home
- Rising energy bills
- Furnace cycling on and off frequently
These signs often point to restricted airflow caused by a dirty air filter.
How Regular Filter Changes Extend Furnace Life
A furnace that breathes easily runs cooler, quieter, and more efficiently. Over time, consistent filter changes can reduce repair needs, improve efficiency, extend system lifespan, and maintain reliable winter comfort. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your heating environment.
At Fenix Heating & Cooling, we offer our HVAC Maintenance Protection Plan to help you maintain your heating system. Our Protection Plans include routine heating and AC maintenance visits, at which time our technicians will complete thorough inspections, cleanings, and servicing.
Need Help with Furnace Maintenance?
Replacing your furnace filter regularly during the winter is a small task that makes a big difference. A clean filter helps your system run more efficiently, keeps your energy bills under control, improves indoor air quality, and reduces unnecessary strain on your furnace during Wichita’s coldest months.
If you’re unsure which filter your system needs or can’t remember the last time it was changed, the team at Fenix Heating & Cooling is here to help. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Wichita, KS with professional heating maintenance, inspections, and dependable service you can trust.
Want peace of mind this winter? Schedule a heating tune-up with Fenix Heating & Cooling today and keep your home warm, efficient, and comfortable all season long.
Trust the Fenix Comfort Heroes to rescue you from your HVAC problems. Don’t wait until the first day of winter to discover your furnace is not working! Turn it on today. If it’s not running properly, contact us and we’ll work to get your system fixed before the first frost.
Join the Fenix Protection Plan Service Program today! You’ll receive some nice benefits, like 20% off all parts and labor and having the peace of mind to know that your HVAC unit is being serviced by the best comfort specialists in Wichita!
Visit our showroom to see all our trusted products on display at 802 West 2nd St., just across from Wichita’s new library, or give us a call at 316-945-4842.
Be sure to check out our current promotions to get the best deal on meeting your comfort needs!
Trust the Fenix Comfort Heroes to rescue you from your heating and cooling problems. Don’t wait until the first day of winter to discover your furnace is not working! Turn it on today. If it’s not running properly, 
