# Your Furnace Filter: So Easy To Change, Yet So Easy To Neglect > Homeowners can participate in preparing for and enduring winter weather by checking and changing the furnace filter. Here are the essentials. ![change your furnace filter regularly, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/furnace-filter-change2.jpg "furnace filter change2")Scheduling an annual furnace tune-up ensures that your furnace will be ready to combat the chill that settles in the Massachusetts area every winter -- and hangs around for several months. Homeowners can participate in preparing for and enduring winter weather by checking and changing the [furnace filter](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/just-how-efficiently-can-a-furnace-filter-function.html). ![change your furnace filter regularly, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/furnace-filter-change2.jpg "furnace filter change2") **The importance of changing furnace filters** The furnace filter performs several critical functions. It protects the furnace from the harmful buildup of dust and pollutants. A clean filter promotes a healthy flow of air through the furnace, [extending the life of your furnace](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/fall-preventive-maintenance-heating-system.html) and reducing energy bills. It's simple: If the furnace has to work harder to push air through a dirty filter, it works harder, consuming more energy and shortening its life span. It also keeps those pollutants out of the home's air supply, trapping and controlling dust, mold, mites and other allergens in the household air before you and your family inhale them. Furnace professionals generally recommend checking the furnace filter once a month during the winter season, when the furnace is running around the clock. To help you remember, mark it on your calendar or use the reminder function on your programmable thermostat. Knowing when to change the filter is relatively simple: Just slide the filter out of the slot in the furnace. If it's gray or dingy, it likely needs to be changed. Changing your furnace filter is just one of the things you need to do to keep your heating system running efficiently. It's also advisable to have your furnace and ductwork inspected and cleaned annually. If you still need to have your furnace serviced this year, let [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html) make sure that your furnace is able to handle the harsh Massachusetts winter that's on its way. We've been helping homeowners in the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts with their heating and cooling systems for more than 80 years. ***Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about* ***other HVAC topics, download our free [Home Comfort Solutions Guide](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).***** *Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://shutterstock.com/)* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/furnace-filter-easy-to-change-neglect.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/furnace-filter-easy-to-change-neglect.html)