Every day, without fail, we have at least one customer call in asking us why their thermostat is flashing “filter.” They usually go on to explain that they checked the filter and the filter was clean but that the thermostat is still insisting that it needs to be changed. Luckily this is just a misconception about the capabilities of the thermostat, and Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help clear things up.
Reminding You to Check the Filter
Your thermostat is simply an on and off switch for your furnace and air conditioner. It senses the temperature in the home and turns the systems on and off in response to the temperature that you have set. Beyond that, the typical thermostat has little communication with the air conditioner and furnace. When the word “filter” shows up on your thermostat it isn’t actually detecting the dirt on your filter. It is simply a reminder to check it. The thermostat is reacting to the number of hours that the system has been running and not the actual filter itself.
It is Always Worth Checking
For example, the majority of thermostats are automatically set to set off the filter reminder every thirty days because the typical filter will last about that long. If you use filters that last longer, you can change the number of hours before you get another reminder. When the reminder shows up, check the filter. If it is clean, put it back, and if it is dirty, change it. Then go back to the thermostat and reset the filter button. Every thermostat is different, so you may have to consult your manual or call Four Seasons to speak with one of our expert technicians for a little extra help. But just know this, changing the filter is extremely important for the efficiency and longevity of your furnace, and neglecting your thermostats reminder could be a major mistake.
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Tags: air conditioner, communication, experts, filter, filter change, Four Seasons, Furnace, HVAC, IL, monthly, reminder, Rolling Meadows, Rosemont, Schaumburg, thermostat