Most people don’t give a second thought to their furnace filter; in fact most people don’t give it a first thought as long as the furnace is working. But maintaining your furnace or air handler’s air filter is crucial to your indoor air quality. Improve every breath with these helpful tips.
Modern homes are built more sturdily and secure than ever. And while tighter construction and better seals are great for insulation, they also trap contaminants inside the home that circulate through the air until they’re drawn into your lungs where they can trigger disease, allergies and other respiratory difficulties.
The type of filter you decide to use will greatly impact your home’s air quality overall. The lower cost air filters are usually made of a loose fiberglass mesh and are about an inch thick. While they’ll protect your furnace from larger particles, they are much less effective at protecting your lungs from tiny particles.
Your best bet is to use a pleated, high-efficiency filter to get the most filtration and cleanest air. While a more expensive option, these filters will do a better job of capturing the contaminants that would otherwise circulate in your home.
You need to change the filter periodically, it’s not a once and done part of your system. The frequency with which you change your air filter will depend on various factors, including the type of filter you’re using and the amount of contaminants your home generates. Checking your filter at least once a month is always a safe bet. If it’s visibly dirty or dark, it’s time for a change. If you have a professionally installed air filtration system, have it maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
When replacing your filter, be sure you buy the right size. A filter that’s too small will let dirty air pass around it. A filter that’s too big will not fit properly in your system. You can verify size either by checking the size of the old filter you’re replacing, or by checking the owner’s manual of your furnace.
Maintaining your furnace filter is a simple part of the unit’s overall upkeep. Checking it regularly will ensure a comfortable home and healthy air for you and your family.