Changing furnace filters
Everyone's home has dust in it, along with pollen, mold spores, and other dander and lint. It's just part of living in a home. However, keeping them in check and making sure they don't make anyone sick is the key. Everything we do within the walls of our home increases the concentration of each particle. Dust and allergen particles may seem small and are often miniscule, but if a filter is left unchanged and unclean these particles can seem huge. By changing furnace filters regularly we can keep our homes much cleaner and avoid respiratory infections, sinus infections, and other type allergies.
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Filter Factors and filter types
There are several factors that can affect the efficiency of your furnace filter. Fiber size, density, airflow rate, and particle diameter are the most common. And along with the filter factors there are several different types of filters to choose from. Let's take a look at a few:
- Washable and reusable filters. These are designed to be washed and reused obviously. They never really get completely clean however, and therefore can be somewhat restrictive in air flow. These types of filters are also not as effective at capturing small particles.
- HEPA filters, or high efficiency particulate air filters are extended filters that are made to remove sub-micron particles. They consist of a core filter folded back and forth over corrugated separators that add strength the core. They are not designed to fit in standard size furnaces however, so if you want to get a HEPA you may need to consider a brand new furnace.
- Panel filters are the most common type of furnace filter around. This most likely what you have had installed in your home heating and air/ conditioning systems. They don't do a whole lot in terms of removing contaminants from the air as their primary function is to protect the fan and minimize dust on the heating and cooling coils. You can however upgrade it to a high efficiency filter to help trap other pollutants.
Changing your furnace filter
Changing your filter doesn't have to be rocket science. With a little help you can do it easily and feel confident the next time it has to be done. You are going to need a garden hose, a new furnace filter, and a vacuum or a broom. Here are some easy steps to follow when changing your furnace filter:
- Before you actually replace the filter you should sweep the area near the furnace floor called the "dust-bunny breeding" area. You want to keep as much dirt off the filter as possible.
- Locate the service panel; generally this is on the furnace's lower front or side. Turn the furnace off and then you can pull the panel door down. You shouldn't need any tools for this; hands work fine.
- The filter will be inside the door. It is a framed, mesh rectangular screen that will be inserted either horizontally or vertically. Slide the filter out gently.
- If you can't see through the screen then it needs to be changed or cleaned (depending on what kind of filter you have). You can either use a hose or a vacuum to rinse or suck away the dust particles. If you hose it down make sure you let it dry before putting it back into the furnace. If the filter is disposable, write down the size, throw it away, and go by a new one.
Your furnace filter needs to be changed or cleaned on a monthly basis and during the cold months possible more often. Anyone can change a furnace filter so don't go and hire someone to do it for you. You might get your hands dirty, but it's a whole lot cheaper than having someone else come clean it for you.
