Does your furnace need some attention from the professionals? The highly experienced technicians at S&L Air Conditioning and Heating are one phone call away.
Every savvy homeowner understands the role of a furnace filter in maintaining healthy indoor air. An effective furnace filter means better indoor air quality because it traps contaminants. Therefore, you need to replace it periodically to keep the air around your home fresh.
Generally, your dirty furnace filter should be gray. If it’s black, you should be worried.
“Why is my furnace filter black?” It’s a question we’ve repeatedly heard as the top providers of HVAC repair services in Bowie. In many cases, it’s usually one of three to four possible causes. We’ll go over each of them in this post.
Common Reasons Your Furnace Filter Is Black
If you notice you have a black furnace filter, it is in your best interest to find out the cause. Some of the causes of a black air filter are dangerous and require the immediate attention of an experienced HVAC technician.
Some of the most common causes of a black furnace filter include the following.
Carbon Monoxide Production
Combustion in your home heating system is an elaborate process. The gas and oxygen must mix in accurate quantities for a clean burn. When there’s a disruption in the process, there’s a high risk of carbon monoxide production.
The main culprits of this disruption include damaged burners, a cracked heat exchanger, a broken exhaust pipe, and more. In this scenario, your furnace will produce carbon monoxide, which can leak into your house during the warm air distribution.
The carbon monoxide can leave your furnace filter black in high enough quantities.
You may have been inhaling some carbon monoxide if you’ve noticed some lightheadedness, nasal congestion, or headaches while your furnace runs. Inhaling this gas long enough in high enough amounts can be fatal.
Call an HVAC technician immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide leaks. The technician will find the cause of the leak and fix it permanently.
Soot From External Sources
If you’re wondering, “Why is my furnace filter black?” you need to check for possible sources of soot around your home. The two most common sources are candles and gas water heaters. If you burn candles frequently, you should know that black soot is one of the byproducts generated. Your furnace filter will trap most of it, hence the black appearance. Gas water heaters can also generate soot while running. What should you do in both cases?
For candles, you should consider the pros and cons of ditching them entirely. If you need to keep using them, reduce airflow around burning candles. You should also avoid using candles made from vegetable oil or petroleum jelly.
For gas water heaters, ensure the flame is blue while yours is running. Any other color or flickering flame indicates carbon monoxide production.
Mold Growth
Mold is another possible cause of a black furnace filter. Condensation collects on your furnace system’s evaporator coil in humid conditions. The moisture can transfer to the air filter over time, leading to mold growth.
Mold causes various respiratory issues, including pneumonitis, fungal sinusitis, asthma, and more. It can also worsen any allergy symptoms in sufferers.
Mold spores are stubborn. Replacing the filter might not be enough to keep them from coming back. Because of this, you should seek professional assistance if you see signs of mold growth.
Excessive Dirt and Debris
Sometimes, a black furnace filter simply means you’ve ignored yours for too long. Clogged filters may not sound as dangerous as carbon monoxide or mold growth, but they can still cause problems. For example, dirty filters mean lower indoor air quality. How do you feel about the air outside being cleaner than inside your home?
Clogged air filters also put significant strain on your furnace system. The unit will work harder to deliver the warmth you need. The stress manifests as more frequent breakdowns. If you’re habitually ignoring dirty air filters for long periods, you’ll pay for furnace replacement a lot sooner than you should.
Contact S&L Air Conditioning and Heating for Your Furnace Needs in Bowie, Maryland
If you’re asking, “Why is my furnace filter black?” you need to call the pros for in-depth system inspection and indoor air quality testing. Our experienced technicians can determine if you’re inhaling harmful soot, mold, chemicals, and other particulate matter and recommend fixes. We’ll also recommend saving tips for winter.
Call S&L Air Conditioning and Heating in Bowie, MD, today at (301) 709-3986 to book your appointment.