In a warm air heating system, what is the primary purpose of air filters?

In a warm air heating system, air filters play a crucial role in maintaining air quality and system efficiency. The primary purpose of these filters is to trap airborne particles, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. By capturing these contaminants, the filters help prevent them from circulating throughout the home when the heating system is in operation. This function not only contributes to a cleaner indoor environment but also protects the internal components of the heating system from becoming clogged or damaged, thereby improving its overall efficiency and longevity.

While airflow is essential, increasing it is not the primary function of filters. They do not modify air temperature directly, as that is handled by the heating elements within the system. Similarly, while humidity control is important in heating systems, filters are not designed to circulate humid air but rather to clean the air that is heated and distributed throughout the building.